Analysing Opening Shots

Analysing Opening Shots 

Momento (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan 

The photograph of the man, dead on the floor, has many different meanings behind it and establishes important points about the film. The photograph is the picture fades instead of develops, establishing the narrative of the film. The film begins at the end of the story and makes its way backwards to the beginning of the story, the fading of the photograph represents this, as well as this, the developing photo infers that the character is mentally unstable. Like the photograph, Leonard's memory fades. He has short term memory loss, caused by previous events in his life. Leonard tries to keep track of people and places he will forget is to take photographs of them, writing captions underneath the picture, the opening shots makes the audience assume that Leonard murdered this man that we are yet to know anything about.

As the shot fades in, the title 'Momento' is shown on screen, the title is shown over a hand holding a polaroid photo. Placing the title over the image of the photograph links the word and the image, this infers to the audience that the photograph has significant meaning behind it.

Trainspotting (1996)

Director: Danny Boyle

The opening shot of Transporting is a key part of the film as it sets the mood and atmosphere whilst informing the audience what type of film it is. Glum skies, dirty streets and unflattering clothing sets an unglamorous scene instantly.

The use of the tracking shot during the opening scene creates a sense of urgency and tension. This particular use of camera makes the scene seem fast paced and unclear. As a viewer, this made me want to watch more and find out what the commotion was about. As well as this, the low shot disables the audience from initially seeing the characters identity, going against the typical opening of introducing the main character by showing their identity or past experiences-creating a sense of mystery.

8 1/2 (1963)

Director: Fedirico Fellini 

The opening shot of 8 1/2 is a long shot, showing the locale of the films setting. This allows the audience to gather a greater understanding of the film's storyline. Long shots are often used to impact the audience in some a certain way or to emphasis something in the shot, in this situation, the emphasis is on how crowded the shot is and how claustrophobic it could make the audience feel.

The vast amount of vehicles in the shot creates tension and discomfort within the audience. This opening scene delves into our subconscious due to its symbolism through objects that would usually have no, or little, effect to the average person.