RESEARCH - Analysis of 2 Film Openings

Final Destination 5
This is the opening of the thriller 'Final Destination 5' the latest release of a 5 part sequence. To begin, it uses a discrete opening sequence as it is heavily edited in terms of visual viewing and the sequences stand apart from the film opening. Immediately after it begins, there is a very haunting and shrieking non diagetic sound which indicates the genre very well. It shows us the idems of the production companies and distributors involved then goes straight into the film contents with a loud smash and visuals of an explosion followed by smashing of glass and props such a skulls. This all infers that the film contains alot of hard hitting action and terror. The music becomes louder and more thrilling indicating danger then it transforms more into a rock song. The actor and actresses name flash on the screen in order while the crashing continues behind. The editing at this point is very quick paced which keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. Towards the end the music fades out and the movie begins.

  
Scarface
This is the opening of 'Scarface' released in 1983. It is very different to the thriller above in terms of credits, editing and sound. It is an example of a narrative opening. The music at first sounds political and suspenseful then it turns into an upbeat cuban-sounding song. There are a lot of close up/mid shots to show characters facial expressions and emotions but also wide shots to establish the setting. The editing is relatively slow and steady paced. The mise en scene contains large ships and men dressed in an army type uniform and most of the imagery takes place at sea.