Form Research

Form Research for an Action Film Opening

Flashbacks:

A scene that takes the narrative back in time, usually to a key moment, in order to reveal unknown parts of the story that are normally vital in some way. But also to give us understanding of what is happening as it helps to set the scene for the rest of the movie.

Panning of Landscape/Establishing Shot:

This is used to set the scene and inform the audience of where and when the film may be taking place. This quickly gives us a quick overview of what the film is going to be like and maybe what it’s about or based on.

Narrations:

This is an easy and effective way of getting the audience involved in the movie straight away and from the very beginning, to the end. This is a technique used to give background information on what has happened or who the characters are, giving the audience an insight so that that the rest of the film makes sense.

Action Sequence:

A fast paced start to a film also helps to attract and grip audiences to keep them watching. It also helps to automatically show the genre of the film if included in the opening in this way.

Chase Scene:

Similar to the action scene in the way that it generally helps to catch and hold the audience’s attention. It gives them a sense of involvement and does keep them gripped through this, as it helps to make them wonder what will happen during and after the chase.

Production Logos:

At the start of most films, the production and distribution logos will always be shown. This can help to show the audience if a film has a high budget since if big and popular ones are shown, it is clear that the film his going to be of a higher quality. Also, if the film des have a higher budget, the films opening may be adapted to reflect the genre and storyline of the film.

Title Sequence:

All films have title scenes too, which show the cast and production team of the movie. These obviously show the audience who is in the film, maybe even giving them more of an incentive to watch it since it may have an actor/actress they like in it.

Animation:

This can be used to portray the beginning of the film in a creative way and visually show of the difference of the film itself and it’s opening sequence.

Narrative Context:

This includes the context (who/what/when/where), as well as the pace of the narrative, which may increase as the level of engagement increases.

Soundtrack:

This is the tone, volume and tempo of the various sounds and music used. They generically start of quiet and quite slowly paced, but build up gradually over the course of the opening.

However, despite all this, some directors may prefer to have an unconventional opening to portray a sense of mystery or to give it an ‘artistic edge’. Some examples of this are a lack of credits, lack of an establishing shot or not having the main characters introduced in some way.