Opening Scene

The opening scene of a movie is the most crucial, thought through scene of an entire production. This scene can determine the whole story which usually introduces a number of characters and their roles within the film. Depending on the genre, the opening of a production will begin in different ways, for example a typical horror film may begin with a gory or shocking event, which unfolds gradually as the film progresses. However a more comedic film may begin with a humorous scene, introducing several of the characters and showing us the link between them and are usually not as mysterious, as this is not what a comedy film would typically involve. In an opening sequence, it is also important to include titles such as names of the directors, actors/actresses, production team etc. This, along with the logo of the production company who produced the film, is the most significant aspects of an opening sequence as it is recognisable as the beginning or end of a media production.


Examples of opening scenes-

Inception 2010 (Frances)

Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan
The opening of this film is extremely confusing, involving the main character (Cobb) laying face down on the beach, looking at a young boy and girl who play in the distance (we are not known of who these children are or why they are there). This is followed by a man who approaches him in uniform, armed with weaponry, who lifts Cobbs coat to reveal a gun in his back pocket along with a spinning top. From this scene there is almost nothing we can draw from or be sure of. A large number of questions are raised, which is an effective technique as it is leaving the rest of the story to mystery, to be later explained. The camera angles are simple, there are minimal cuts and we often see from Cobbs POV. This, along with the mysterious nature of the scene, adds to the 'feeling of a dream' that is being purposely created throughout the film.