Film opening conventions

The audience expects to see: 

• Credits  

• Name of film

• Introduction to the main character

• Location/setting

• Soundtrack - that helps set the mood/ tone

• An idea of the narrative

• Equilibrium / sometimes there is a disruption

• Production company cinematic

• Period - Time/Year/flashback etc.  

CHILDREN OF THE MEN

From watching a 2 minute opening scene from the movie "Children of the Men" we are able to identify several characteristics that make up the film. For example the location and the period the movie is set. (London, 16th November 2027) The fact that the film is set in the future creates a certain extent of excitement for the audience as they are curious of what the future may hold. However, when the opening reveals how chaotic the streets are, this makes the audience feel worried and unsafe, especially for the characters in the film. In the streets we see a range of different transports for example the "tuktuk" which is originally from thailand. The fact that there is a tuktuk in london helps emphasise this idea of a chaotic environment. 

From this clip we also get an idea of the narrative as the clip starts with a news report about a child's death. We learn that his death is very important as it seems to affect all the supporting actors in the film as their facial expressions show signs of sadness and worry. 

From this opening scene we are able to identify the main character as he stands out from the other characters in the film. For example in the scene where he enters the cafe, everyone surrounding him pays close attention to the tragic news report. However, unlike everyone else the main character does not seem very fused about the situation, instead he appears more worried about his coffee than the tragic news. In addition, what separates him from the other characters is that when he walks in he looks down. Whereas, the other characters are staring up to the tv screen. 

What do we learn about the main character? 

- We learn that he is an alcoholic. This is because of the fact that he is mixing alcohol with his coffee and drinking in the morning.

- Since he drinks in the morning this shows that he may perhaps be depressed as alcohol acts as an "escape" from reality.

- We also learn that he is quite careless, for example his ignorant manner towards the child's death shows his carelessness. 

- We learn that he is a middle-high income earner from the clothes that he wears. For example he looks well presented because he wears a tie and a long suit. However, the dark combination of these pieces of clothing help portray his depressed emotions. 

- Another thing we learn is that he is quite rude, for example in the cafe he bumps a women but ignores her without apologising.