Analysis of Opening Scenes

Similarities and Differences of three opening scenes – Se7en, Austin Powers and James Bond Gold Finger

Different features of an opening scene, even within 2 minutes of the start of the movie can distinguish what genre the film is. The music, images, font and dialogue all add up to create a specific atmosphere.  For example the movie ‘Se7en’ is filled with fast screen shots which give nothing about the film away apart from the small snippets of scenes, however not revealing any characters or a plot. The music is intense and builds up to create a spooky atmosphere. It makes the audience feel uncomfortable and on edge. There is also small noises of screaming and danger but no relation to the images which adds mystery and curiosity for the viewer. The structure of the music goes with the screen shots and ads strength to the genre as well as the mood and pace. They add impact for the audience which is key to grip them into the film and make them want to watch on.  Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me completely contradicts the horror genre because everything is the complete opposite however still has the same affect on the audience – grips them in and clearly represents what genre it is. And in this case, comedy. You can tell this from the bright multicoloured bubbly typed fonts which the credits are displayed on… Completely dissimilar to Se7en where the font is curly and edgy adding a creepy effect. The setting and actions are conventional because there are people all around and the setting, a hotel, is used as an advantage to create the genre of comedy. Props are used to cover up private areas of the main character, Mike Myers which makes it comical within the first few seconds. They also represent personality qualities and display he is a light hearted character therefore making the audience want to see more.          The final movie of the three is also completely different, it’s neither comedy or horror, but a genre of romance and action which is juxtaposed through the scenes, car chases and shooting (the action) that is projected on a gold naked lady and having the slow, sexy song ‘Gold Finger’ made pacifically for the film (the romance). The song also portrays the “sexy” agent (James Bond) through the lyrics and no dialogue is not needed. Because of the mixture of genres, the opening scene drags on slightly more than the other two and also because it is an extra one minute long and less is being shown in this opening scene compared to the others. The juxtaposition creates mystery and obscurity to the scene.