Film Opening Research #2 - Beauty and the beast (1991)

Film Opening Research #2 - Beauty and the beast (1991)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

The title, Beauty and the Beast, is the only title that displays on the screen. The word beauty is written in red, while the term beast is written in metallic black. The symbolism of the word beauty being in red indicates that there will be romance, but the meaning of the word beast being in black indicates that there will be mystery and evil. This foreshadows the unexpected romance between the Beast and Belle.
What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 
To represent the beast's desire for regrowth, everything in the opening scene is depicted on stained glass. The relationship between the beast and the elderly woman is accentuated in the stained glass, demonstrating how his awful behavior towards her caused her to convert him into a beast.

What connotations do the images carry? 

The opening sequence leaves the spectator with a dismal and gloomy mood. As a result of his acts as a youngster, the prince is cursed and forced to live as a beast for most of his youth and adulthood. The irony is that the prince is obliged to perform the polar opposite of what he did to the old woman.
How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

As a result of his rude character and misjudgment of the old lady's beauty, the prince is transformed into a beast, and the genres of romance and fantasy are instantly deployed. The artist's use of green throughout the stained glass depicts the beast's need to develop in order to return to his rightful place as a prince. This reinforces the romance genre by forcing the prince to seek attractiveness and love from inside rather than from outward looks.
What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Because it was a Disney picture, the intended audience was most likely a younger generation. As a result, the major goal of this film is to present a story of unexpected love. The film draws its target demographic by using appealing music and dance to keep the younger audience engaged and delighted.
How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. 

To depict events in chronological sequence, a fade transition is employed. The transition is used to depict the events that lead up to the prince becoming a beast in chronological sequence, such as when the prince first encountered the old witch to when he finds she is a lovely lady and she changes him into a beast until he learns to find love inside oneself rather than physical appearance. A zoom transition is also employed to emphasize the flower's significance and how it represents love, but this particular rose is dying–much like the Beast's aspirations for true love.

Opening Scene Genre

             

  Opening Scene Genre

After months of thought, I've finally decided on a genre for my film's opening sequence. DRUM ROLL PLEASE........... I've decided to make a HORROR FILM. In the beginning, I couldn't decide between romantic comedy and horror. As I indicated in my first blog post, I am a lover of romantic comedies, but I thought it would be interesting to produce a horror film and use different methods that I have learned so far to create a dark and eerie mood. I also thought it would be interesting l to include special effects in my film.

 Finally, I decided that rather than picking one over the other, I would do both. My film will revolve around Jacob, a man who meets women online and murders them on the first date, thus the title My Last First Date.   I wanted my film to address a current subject, such as the perils of a relationship, catfishing, and, frankly, the dangers of social networking.

   Overall, I am beyond thrilled to begin work on my film, and I can't wait for everyone to watch it!

Film Opening Research #1 - Scream

                 

Film Opening Research #1 - Scream

          

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

As the film begins, the title scream appears on the screen. When the title appears, the use of non-diegetic sounds such as cries of fear and slicing creates an eerie and frightening atmosphere. This creates an ominous atmosphere since the viewer cannot see what is going on and it looks like someone is being killed. The screen becomes red as the title begins to flash, and there is a cutting noise, almost as if someone is being slain.  

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

In the opening sequence, everything takes place at night, which immediately creates a sense of horror. Then we witness a young woman get threatening phone calls from an unknown caller with a sinister voice. The sound of popping popcorn is greatly amplified.  The young woman then runs for her life inside the home, attempting to lock all of the doors.
What connotations do the images carry? 

Because the viewer is ignorant of what is about to happen, the pictures convey a sensation of horror and fright. The emphasis on the popcorn popping, the sinister voice, and the woman's worried look while on the phone all contribute to the horror and terror induced in the viewer 
How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

The genre is emphasized throughout, from the lonely residence to the dark lighting.  The use of fast-paced music indicated that something was about to happen, again emphasizing the terrifying tone. The young woman's cries for help, as well as her scurrying around the home shutting the doors, reinforce the genre, as she is aware that she is about to be slain, creating a sense of horror.
What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The target demographic for most horror films is often teens to young adults. As a result, the filmmaker most likely selected a high school setting to make the audience feel as though they were there in the film.
How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

The close-up camera perspective is used to convey the young woman's feelings and reactions when she is on the phone with the unknown caller. A dolly show is also used to follow the young woman about the house while she converses with the killer. The use of the point of view shot also places the viewer in the shoes of the young woman, instilling anxiety in the viewers.