Romance Opening Scene Analysis: Dear John

Romance Opening Analysis: Dear John

The opening scene starts with the distribution company then the scene cuts into a close up of a wounded soldier who is laying on the floor; we are able to see that he’s injured with several gunshot wound  and bleeding whilst his friend tries to wake him up making sure he’s alive. There is a slow and sad non diegetic sound played with the voice over to make the scene seem melancholy, he says that he thought about someone important before he got shot and blacked out.  The coins relates to that significant someone who is very close to him. The shot becomes canted to suggest that the wounded solider is instable to stand on his own feet then the shot rotates all the way so we are at the eye-level with the character. Once the soldier tries to make the wounded soldier sit upright we are able to see the setting followed by the camera slowly zooming at a high angle toward the main protagonist to make the character seem weak and vulnerable as they’re struggling and in danger of getting killed.

The scene blurs as the soldier re-calls his childhood, a close up is used to see his relaxed facial expression as coins begins to fall over him then the shot turn into an extreme shot of the coins. The voice over informs the audience that he went on a trip to the U.S Mint with that person who‘s very close to him. There is various close up of the machinery which allows us to see the stages of how the coins are made then the scene cuts into a close up of the boy’s face while he watches it being produced, he finds it fascinated. The scene is followed by an extreme close up of him hand holding one of the coins, the camera focuses on the detail of the coin.

There is an extreme close up of his eye and we’re able to see that his head is bleeding suggesting that he’s severely injured. The soldier begins to moves his eyes and trying to become aware of his surrounding while the camera turn into a close up of he’s friend is shaking him, shouting and patting his cheeks trying to wake him up; we can see the desperation in his voice as he tries to move him into safety. The voice over states that he’s is a coin of United States, the scene returns back to a close up of the coins being poured of out the container and then there is a close up of the machine adding the detail on the coin. In the next sequence the scene is blurred by the steam, we are able to see the from someone’s perspective staring toward the sky then the scene cuts, we see the soldier staring toward the sky. The scene zooms slowly towards the soldier who is lying on the floor bleeding and he’s getting wet from the rain. John’s voice over states all the different injuries he has had due to being a soldier.  The camera slowing zooms toward his face which is just staring without blinking or showing any expression which could suggest that he’s died or hurt badly, he also states that he’s not in perfect condition which shows that he’s not mentally and physically stable. The scene then fades out which shows that he blacked out because he states this in the voice over and before he did he thought out someone very significant to him.

The scene cuts shows an extreme shot of the setting showing a beautiful view of the sun rising and we are able to see that it’s set at a beach, there is a non-diegetic sound playing in the background which is upbeat but it gives a peaceful effect. at this moment the audience is not sure if this is a flashback or a flash forward which creates suspence and draws the audience in as they're curious on the plot. In the next scene a medium shot is used so we’re able to see him surfing, we are also able to hear the sound of the waves which mixes with the non-diegetic sound which make the scene dramatic. Once he gets out of the water a long shot is used so the audience are able to see a full shot of the main protagonist then it cuts into an extreme long shot which shows his surroundings. Over the shot is used when John is seen looking at the sea so we can see from his perspective, then the scene cuts into a medium shot of him relaxing whilst staring into the horizon however he’s distracted by a group of people which suggest that there is a female protagonist as this is a cliché of a romance film plot. The shot returns back to John who looks like he’s interested as he stares at the blonde girl who the focus of the group which suggests that she is the female lead that John is going to fall in love with. A high angle shot shows the girl's bag falling into the sea, few minutes later then a long shot is used to show John diving into the sea and fetching the bag for her even though she didn't ask him to, he's a stereotypical main male protagonist - he's muscular and strong suggesting he shows dominance by helping out the female protagonist. The female protagonist is shames the less impressive guy while she waits for John to come out of the water and she thanks for his help which suggests that this is the starts of the love story.

Romance Opening Scene Analysis: The Vow

Romance Opening Analysis: The Vow

The vow starts with the title scene, which shows that the film was distributed by screen gems and produced by spyglass entertainment. The scene starts off with the close up of theatre sign, which is in the color red that is associated with romance and love. Straightaway we can see two people coming out of the theatre with their arm linked which shows that they’re a couple and the main protagonists.  Whilst they’re having a conversation there is non-diegetic sound played in the background which is soft and peaceful to set the moods, then the camera pans towards the other side of the theatre to allow the viewers to see from the protagonist’s perspective. The scene is blurred and out of focus to present the title of the film afterward the couple gets into their car preparing to go home; they seem very close as they are taking care of each other e.g. warming each other’s hands, as the car depart from the cinema an establishing shot is used so the audience can see the setting. There is a close up shot of the man when he’s driving but the women is out of focus which could suggest that he’s an important character in the movie and the plot of this film focuses on him. The audience can see that they truly love each other because their expression displays it plus they’re enjoy each other’s company as they’re singing and laughing together. This scene will make the audience wish that they had a similar relationship, as they seem so perfect.

However the scene cuts showing the weather, it’s snowing a lot which could be foreshadowing future events that suggests that it’s a hazard, but the scene is cut showing the couple having a romantic time in the car. The lady had unbuckles her seatbelt to lean and kiss her partner however this moment doesn’t last long because at that moment we are able to see the danger coming towards them. A truck rams their car from behind and whilst this is happening there is a voice over of the man talking about moments of impact from this we understand that this event caused a huge change in his life. The window is shattered and the car is pushed across the road, this is shown in different camera types; the camera shows a close up of the protagonists in slow motion crashing into a post, there is tense music in the background to show that it’s a serious situation.  As the man has his seatbelt on he’s isn’t injured but on the other hand the lady goes through the front screen of the car and landing on the bonnet of the car, as the women is wearing red it could represent death and blood. The non-diegetic sound begins to get louder while it zooms out into a high angle making the character seem fragile and vulnerable. This scene makes the audience curious on whether the woman will survive, as she is severely injured.

The genre of the film is quickly identified especially because of the color scheme in the beginning; it refers to a feminine and romantic side of the viewers. The cold setting with the snow falling creates a warm and cozy feeling that is a common convention of a romance film. In the opening have an idea of what's going to happen; its a typical love story on how the couple will face trouble in this case his fiancée loses her memories but it's going to be a happy ending.

Romance: Target Audience

Romance Target Audience

Usually romantic films are aimed at female’s aged 12-24 and the film is rated 12 or 15 depending on the content. Women enjoy the typical love story because it allows them to fantasies about their own happy endings and finding their prince charming or relate to their own situations. Also, they may feel that they can relate to the film more as the certificate is usually 12-15 and so the film will usually include characters of around the teenager and young adults years. This table shows that the romance genre is popular among young teens and female adults mostly in the class DE. 

The main reason the female audience will prefer romance to any other genre is because they fell that they can connect to it more because that can connect to the plot than en. The female audiences are attracted to the romance genre and who is likely to be a famous actor. Most females may watch the romantic films at lonely time of the year as they see that everyone is able to find true love even thought it might take a while. When a couple break up, the woman will usually tend to watch a romance film as it boosts their confidence up and releases that they can find someone who is far better.

Codes and Conventions: Romance Genre

Codes and Convention: Romance Genre

Horror Opening Scene Analysis: Scream 1996

    Horror Opening Scene Analysis: Scream 1996

The first scene shows the title “SCREAM” in block letters in the colour white which could represent ghosts or fear then it turn into colour red which suggests death and danger

The opening scene starts with the protagonist receiving an unknown call from a stranger who then starts to become odd and suspicious, he begins to manipulate her in the beginning by asking questions, which she rejects to answer. The director uses enigma because it teases the audience, as they want to know why the stranger is calling. They begin to chat about horror movies however the situation starts to escalate slowly and tension starts to build up once he states that he can see her which worries the protagonist so she ends the call as she feels uneasy. The antagonist becomes very aggressive and threatens her so she becomes very scared; this is seen through her body language, she is frightened that he’s going to kill her. The Narrative is predictive because she’s home alone, the house is located in the countryside, which is far away from any close neighbours and the event is taking place at night.

Genre is horror as it includes elements for that genre; the setting of her house is in an isolated place so she can’t receive help or escape the antagonist. Low-key lighting is used to in some section of the house, it creates a dark setting and the event takes place at night to create a tense setting. There is a clear binary of the character, the victim is the woman who is receiving the call and the antagonist is on the other side of the call. The audience can only hear the antagonist voice however the face isn't show in the opening scene to create suspense.

In the title scene non-diegetic sound is used, such as the phone ringing which relates with the opening scene, soon after we can hear the heartbeat which could represents the protagonists heart rate and finally a scream is heard this signify the death of the protagonist. As the scene introduces itself we can hear the phone ringing and the protagonist speaking on the phone, this is a diegetic sound as the noise is originated from the film world. This is carried out until she gets anxious then it changes into a non-diegetic sound this is shown when she locks the doors, the background sound begins to get louder and faster to create intense and dramatic atmosphere.

At the beginning of the scene a close up of the phone is shown so the audience can see where sound is coming from and straight away it pans towards the main character so we are able to see her facial expression when she receives the call. The scene is cut into a long shot of the house so the audience can see the setting and realises that there is no one who will be able come to her rescue when she’s in danger later. The shot zooms into a medium shot of the protagonist moving around the house so the audience will be able to analysis her surrounding and suspect where the antagonist could appear from. When she gets threatened the camera zooms in to a close up so the viewer can see her worried expression.

Horror Opening Scene Analysis: Women in Black

Horror Film Analysis: Women in Black

 The first scene opens with an extreme close up of a teapot, which the girl is pouring imaginary liquid in the teacups; this suggests that it's set in the pre-dated era. Then it cut to the dolls face, which is getting fed imaginary tea by the girl and is getting their hair brushed, the camera pans into a medium two shot of the girl’s cheerful expressions. The shot zooms out into a long shot so the audience are able to see the surroundings, we can see that it's old-fashioned. The shot zooms out into a mid-shot of the three girls turning around and staring at nothing, this suggests that the film includes paranormal features. Once they finish looking at nothing the girls have no expressions and begin to approach the window. The scene is in slow motion so the audience will be able to feel the suspenseful aura. There is extreme close up used when the girls begin to step on their dolls and tea cups, this shows the viewers that they have been fully hypnotized by the antagonist. A long shot is used when the three girls are standing near the window; this creates tension, as the viewers are able to figure out what’s going to happen with the girls.

In the beginning we can see that 3 girls are sitting in a circle and are having a tea party with their dolls as they comb the dolls hair. They all look cheerful and happy until they turn around and begin to stare into space; this suggests that there evil spirit present. When they finish staring into space, they turn towards the window, which suggests that the girls are being possessed. The three girls start walking toward the window as they are controlled into killing themselves; this suggests to the audience that the antagonist is the ghost whilst the others people are the protagonists. The viewers know that the film is going to include the deaths of people as the antagonist has something against them.

The genre of the film is horror as it includes horror convention such as creepy dolls; they have a blank expression, which gives off an eerie feeling. As soon as the opening scene starts there are already deaths of children to inform the viewers that the film will consist of more deaths. We know that there is an evil spirit who has an aim to kill innocent children by possessing them; this is common in horror movies as it includes paranormal activities.

In the first scene, non-diegetic sound is played in the background it sound like 'Jack in the box' tune which is slowed down to make the scene seem creepier. However soon after there is a sound of a clock which moves their attention toward the spirit, the volume then begins to increase when the girls become possessed. We can hear the teacup smashing, the dolls head being crushed as the girls approach the window and the sound becomes more dramatic to make the scene more intense. The sound then fades away into silence and the scream is heard after, which suggest that they are dead.