FILM OPENING - CODES AND CONVENTIONS

FILM OPENING

In this post, I will list the codes and conventions of film openings, and also provide information related to them on the film I analysed.

• Production Logo/Distribution Logo
• Begin with establishing shot
• Title of the movie
• Stars shown often
• Genre conventions
• Inter-textual references
• Cast/Credit info

Production Logo/Distribution Logo;

In The Other Guys, a production or distribution logo isn’t actually included in the opening of the film unlike other films. Being an action film, the film intends to be exciting and to interest viewers. The lack of logos at the start can also overwhelm viewers, leaving them very surprised when action initiates instantly upon starting the film, as they may have expected the logos first. An example of a production logo is pictured below.

Establishing Shot;

The establishing shot unveils the setting or context of the scene/entire film, the establishing shot in The Other Guys is the extreme long shot of New York. This shot helped the consumers grasp the idea that this film will be based in that setting, and also help them infer that this will be serious, as New York which can be stereotyped as a major and wealthy city.

Title of the Movie;

The title of the movie appears in the latter stages of the opening, with the action being extreme for the viewer’s eyes and then the title of the film is shown to unveil the film formally. It comes up for around ten seconds at the beginning of the movie before it starts then suddenly disappears.

Stars shown Often;

The actual main protagonists of the film aren’t introduced until later on in the film, with the main police officers being at the forefront of the action in the opening. The main police officers are involved in a massive pursuit of a criminal car, consisting of amazing action.

Genre Conventions;

As the film is an action, it should or even consists of the inevitable conventions of the action genre. These consist of good/bad, weapons, danger, high speed chases, danger, heroes, explosions etc.

Inter-textual References;

As this film is an individual film with no prequels or sequels, there were no inter-textual references in the opening.

Cast/Credit Info;

The cast and credit info is revealed throughout the opening, mostly in the corners so people can focus on the action too. Main characters, producers etc. are the most notable/memorable ones included.