Watch The Video Here :)
Camera:
There are loads of shots used in this opening sequence, we start with a couple of long shots showing the vans driving towards their target, before we begin having close ups of the different characters and different parts of the van. we then move into some POV shots of bystanders as the vans drive by past including a high angle shot. we then change into a variety of medium shots of the driver then cutting to behind the people they are just about to kill / the characters dyeing.
Mis En Scene:
Costume:
our main characters are dressed in a variety of army style costume each customised to suit each ones personal character. Extras in the opening are dressed in typical Chinese towns folk clothing, with army characters in standard camouflage, we also see some special Chinese forces dressed in a 'modern Ninja' Kind of costume to show their high status or more3 superior status over the standard soldiers who we saw dieing earlier in the opening.
Lighting:
The lighting is consistent day light throughout the clip apart from when we are inside the warehouse when there is a dark and dodgy shot where the lighting is from up high to simulate a location with high windows. This casts little light on the characters and only shows their faces and keeps the location very allusive.
Actors:
There are 6 main characters in the opening, all which are introduced with close ups in the very beginning where they are split in each army truck. there are also a large number of extras filling this desert town. there also appears to be a group of 'Bad Guys' in the film which we are introduced in the warehouse scenes as well.
Make Up:
The use of make up is very subtle / non existent on all characters shown in the opening, the only kind of make up i can see is when we have a close up of the 'Bad Guys' face he appears to be sweaty.
Props:
Our 3 main props are the 3 army trucks, but one member of each truck has a different gun, ranging from small to bazooka size as they shoot and drive through this desert town in a very over exaggerated cartoon fashion. there is also a lot of scene preparation props that are used to directly interact with the main action, e.g. the search light that is shot.
Setting:
the entire opening is set in the same desert town, the town appears to be deserted / half built, there is also some dodgy pyrotechnics with two jets of flame on the right hand side of the town, it would have been better to reduce the size of the flame and have more smoke instead.
Sound:
The start of the opening contains a mixture of both diegetic and non diegetic sound, with an action soundtrack over the diegetic sounds. this soundtrack then fades out momentarily before coming back at a reduced volume. the soundtrack cuts out when we are inside the warehouse with the 'bad guys' to show a contrast between the two character groups.
Effects:
apart from the enormous amount of pyrotechnics used in the opening with large explosions, gunshots, bullet holes etc there is also a doggedly animated helicopter used later on in the opening
Fixation Link
The Art Of Title
1. What is the definition of a Title Sequence?
A title sequence is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, using visuals and sound.
2. What is the function of a Title Sequence?
To give a brief overview of the main cast and potentially whats going to happen later whilst drawing the audience in and wanting to make them watch the rest of the film.
3. Name three films featured in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence?
4. Select a film Title Sequence shown in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence and discuss how the Title Sequence uses Typography Elements, Visual Imagery/Sound Elements and what kind of mood/feeling is created as a result? Name of chosen Film Title Sequence: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling:
The Pink Panther:
In this opening title the typography interacts with the cartoon character, possibly a cartoon version of the main character. The background and text itself is pink with blue corners. Also on the typography the 'the' is in lower case letters but the rest is in capital letters that grow later on in the opening to try and injure the main character ( cartoon cat). There is also a star over the i instead of a dot. all of this voilent happenings potenraily revels that there might be quite a lot of action / vilence later in the film.
5. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
From just seeing the opening titles you could easily think that the film was a cartoon. Where the 'the' is the only part of the typography in lowercase this could possibly suggest a haricary of power. When the letters grow trying to crush the cartoon cat (possibly representing the main character) it could be that he is running away / trying to be killed buy a number of people.
6. Select another film Title Sequence shown in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence and discuss how the Title Sequence uses Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements and what kind of mood/feeling is created as a result? Name of chosen Film Title Sequence: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling:
Batman:
7. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
The title sequence suggests nothing particularly about the character of Batman and his role in Gotham. It does not establish the setting or the characters involved but Elfman's theme does suggest a sense of mystery and danger. The typography is simple and does not dictate the genre or content of the film.
8.Visit the following website: Art of the Title watch the sequences and read the 6 Film Title Sequence interview with Richard Morrison. The videos are on vimeo and will take a little while to load so be patient.
What kind of nuance does Richard Morrison look for when creating a Title Sequence? Select 2 of the 6 Morrison Title Sequences (CHOICE: Brazil, Batman, High Fidelity, The Dreamers, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Vantage Point) and answer the following questions: Name of 1st chosen Film Title Sequence created by Richard Morrison: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling: Sweeny Todd
9. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
The typography used within the "Sweeny Todd title sequence is extremely plain,This is backed up by the use of white.The font of the text is "Times New Roman".This is extremely appropriate due to the time period the movie is set.The fact that the text is made to be so plain and formal is to draw focus to the visual imagery.The imagery shown within the sequence depicts darkness, blood ect. At the beginning of the sequence it shows rain and thunder, this conveys an extremely dull and depressing mood.The imagery shown seems to have red as the brightest colour,drawing focus to the blood. This shows that blood is a key element within the movie. The imagery also foreshadows the movie linking things in such as ; The barbers chair, meat grinder, cogs, trapped door,pies. The fact the title sequence uses so much blood in a number of different ways and also tracks the journey that the blood takes from the barbers chair, makes the whole experience of the sequence slightly uncomfortable and uneasy. Although the typography is extremely plain it soon changes to a bright crimson to announce the title of the film (tying in with the theme of blood). The sequence uses an orchestra for the opening music. This is extremely appropriate due to the fact it is a musical. The melody creates a climax at times by changing the tempo and dynamics of the composition.
10. What does Richard Morrison explain about the Film Title Sequence?
Richard Morrison explains that he had to build platforms and then pour fake blood down them to imitate the blood movement and film it. he explains that he wanted to give it a comical feel, which worked rather well.
A title sequence is the method by which films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, using visuals and sound.
2. What is the function of a Title Sequence?
To give a brief overview of the main cast and potentially whats going to happen later whilst drawing the audience in and wanting to make them watch the rest of the film.
3. Name three films featured in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence?
- The Pink Panther
- King Kong
- Juno
4. Select a film Title Sequence shown in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence and discuss how the Title Sequence uses Typography Elements, Visual Imagery/Sound Elements and what kind of mood/feeling is created as a result? Name of chosen Film Title Sequence: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling:
The Pink Panther:
In this opening title the typography interacts with the cartoon character, possibly a cartoon version of the main character. The background and text itself is pink with blue corners. Also on the typography the 'the' is in lower case letters but the rest is in capital letters that grow later on in the opening to try and injure the main character ( cartoon cat). There is also a star over the i instead of a dot. all of this voilent happenings potenraily revels that there might be quite a lot of action / vilence later in the film.
5. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
From just seeing the opening titles you could easily think that the film was a cartoon. Where the 'the' is the only part of the typography in lowercase this could possibly suggest a haricary of power. When the letters grow trying to crush the cartoon cat (possibly representing the main character) it could be that he is running away / trying to be killed buy a number of people.
6. Select another film Title Sequence shown in the A Brief History of the Art of the Title Sequence and discuss how the Title Sequence uses Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements and what kind of mood/feeling is created as a result? Name of chosen Film Title Sequence: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling:
Batman:
7. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
The title sequence suggests nothing particularly about the character of Batman and his role in Gotham. It does not establish the setting or the characters involved but Elfman's theme does suggest a sense of mystery and danger. The typography is simple and does not dictate the genre or content of the film.
8.Visit the following website: Art of the Title watch the sequences and read the 6 Film Title Sequence interview with Richard Morrison. The videos are on vimeo and will take a little while to load so be patient.
What kind of nuance does Richard Morrison look for when creating a Title Sequence? Select 2 of the 6 Morrison Title Sequences (CHOICE: Brazil, Batman, High Fidelity, The Dreamers, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Vantage Point) and answer the following questions: Name of 1st chosen Film Title Sequence created by Richard Morrison: Use of Typography Elements (text): Use of Visual Imagery/Sound Elements: Mood/feeling: Sweeny Todd
9. What does the use of Typography Elements (text), Visual Imagery/Sound Elements in the chosen film Title Sequence suggest about the theme/content of the film?
The typography used within the "Sweeny Todd title sequence is extremely plain,This is backed up by the use of white.The font of the text is "Times New Roman".This is extremely appropriate due to the time period the movie is set.The fact that the text is made to be so plain and formal is to draw focus to the visual imagery.The imagery shown within the sequence depicts darkness, blood ect. At the beginning of the sequence it shows rain and thunder, this conveys an extremely dull and depressing mood.The imagery shown seems to have red as the brightest colour,drawing focus to the blood. This shows that blood is a key element within the movie. The imagery also foreshadows the movie linking things in such as ; The barbers chair, meat grinder, cogs, trapped door,pies. The fact the title sequence uses so much blood in a number of different ways and also tracks the journey that the blood takes from the barbers chair, makes the whole experience of the sequence slightly uncomfortable and uneasy. Although the typography is extremely plain it soon changes to a bright crimson to announce the title of the film (tying in with the theme of blood). The sequence uses an orchestra for the opening music. This is extremely appropriate due to the fact it is a musical. The melody creates a climax at times by changing the tempo and dynamics of the composition.
10. What does Richard Morrison explain about the Film Title Sequence?
Richard Morrison explains that he had to build platforms and then pour fake blood down them to imitate the blood movement and film it. he explains that he wanted to give it a comical feel, which worked rather well.
Role Models Opening Sequence (comedy)
Camera:
We start out changing from a wide angle to a medium long shit, then over the shoulder as the car pulls up and drives away. we then have a close up of the keypad as he enters the code. we then continue to have a variety of medium shots as the drive to the school, followed by another medium shot as they present to the school children. we then see a good example of the 180 Degree rule with their conversations in the car.
Mise En Scene:
Costume:
one of the Men is dressed in a smart navy suit with red tie, the other man also starts out with wearing a tight navy shirt but then is shown to be wearing the 'Minotaur' costume, this is to promote the Minotaur energy drink which is the theme of this opening. These two costumes contrast one and other which could be a reflection upon the two characters shown in the clip.
Lighting:
The lighting in this clip stats pretty constant throughout there is outside lighting and the inside lighting is equal to the outside lighting in the clip. this gives it a pretty neutral feeling to the film which is common of many comedy openings.
Make up:
There is no apparent sign of make up used on the two men or the woman that drops the man of at the beginning this compliments the neutral lighting used in the opening.
Props:
The main prop we see is the Minotaur van used to drive the guys to the different schools. this is filled with cans of "Minotaur" wish the men hold when telling the kids about drugs / Minotaur. we then see the 'Kiss' CD which sparks the next topic of conversation. There is also a tray of Minotaur drinks in between the 2 characters
Setting:
we start out outside the Minotaur building where we first meet the characters, we then go to the Minotaur garage where we then see the main prop for the first time before we cut to several different schools where the Minotaur men are presenting, we also change to the inside of the Minotaur van when the men are travelling between the different schools.
Sound:
Throughout the opening sequence we hear the Non Diegetic sound of drums and a guitar sound track playing along with the action e.g. building up at key moments with the drums.
Editing:
There are only straight cuts used in this opening sequence, this gives the opening movement and allows it to flow better as we are drawn into the chaotic life's of the two main characters.
Legally Blonde
Ways in which this representation of young women is romanticised/mythologised:
- Blond hair at the start
- Pink 'girly' handwritten typography
- French manicure nails
- Perfect skin on the women
- Sunshine / good weather
- Retro style bike
- Pink towels and razor
- Pink Dress
- Doesn't look like shes putting in a lot of effort to move the bike (easy of use)
- Lots of topless guys
- Girl gets lots of attention from guys
- More Blond girls in pink
- Large Bouquet of flowers with pink in
- Bunch of pink roses
- Blond girls working out together
- Dog in coat
- Pink Fluffy pens
- Pink exercise weights
- Cheerleaders
- Hearts over the i's in typography
- Home coming Queen Banner
- Only Blond Girls in opening
- Love hearts on pink shoes
- Steam from the showers has a pink tinge to it
- Pink posters / pieces of paper on the walls
- Chiwawa in pink cloths
Dyers Theorys
Dyers Theory is the theory that we see minatory groups of people and treat them differently through the way they are portrayed in the media, you could apply his theory to teenagers. in the media they are portrayed as hoodie wearing, street talking, dark alley hanging thugs which are a dirty mark upon society and treated as such. this is unfortunately true for about 1% of the teenage population but for the other 99% of us we are still constantly branded with the same poker and this isn't going to change anytime soon.
Another group of people you could apply this to is the elderly, they are also portrayed as being frail, clinging on to life, complaining, bus using waste of tax payers money, however this is also untrue for most of the ageing population as many of them are still working or giving their time away in their local charity shops and making the most the time they have left.
A 3rd group you could apply this theory to is emigrants who have moved into the UK to start their life again to give it better go than what they have had before. in the media they are portrayed as being another drain on the tax payer, how they come here for the benefit system and don't lift a finger in their newly built council house in the centre of London. however many immigrants come over here with job already in hand, or start up their own business and become very successful because of this and don't claim a single penny off the tax payer.
Another group of people you could apply this to is the elderly, they are also portrayed as being frail, clinging on to life, complaining, bus using waste of tax payers money, however this is also untrue for most of the ageing population as many of them are still working or giving their time away in their local charity shops and making the most the time they have left.
A 3rd group you could apply this theory to is emigrants who have moved into the UK to start their life again to give it better go than what they have had before. in the media they are portrayed as being another drain on the tax payer, how they come here for the benefit system and don't lift a finger in their newly built council house in the centre of London. however many immigrants come over here with job already in hand, or start up their own business and become very successful because of this and don't claim a single penny off the tax payer.
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