Lesson Evaluation - Bridget Long 26/11/09

In today's lesson we analysed different groups opening sequence of a specific genre of their own choice. We were given a short presentation of each of the opening sequences by each group where we discussed the different conventions and watched the sequence. We analysed what makes the sequence successful and what different techniques are used to add affect. We saw similarities within the different genres and similar techniques used to create effect and ways as which makes the sequence more entertaining for the audience.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Group 2 looked at the opening sequence of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Firstly the group explained what techniques are used in the sequence which make it so successful for example the use of music to create suspension. This sequence was very different from the Western genre that our group had looked at however we were still able to link the two together with similar methods used. In the opening of Texas Chainsaw Massacre there is use of montage editing to display some of the things that are related to the film, this introduces the narrative, with out giving too much away. Dark colours are used in order to show the genre as well as create a dark, gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. We see one of the characters which is introduced to us in the opening sequence which is a typical convention of the opening sequence, we have a close-up of him so we can recognise him later in the sequence. Time and date is shown during the sequence which tells us the time period it is set in. The music is unnerving throughout the sequence in order to worry the audience and confuse them. We have a name of a killer, which introduces us to another character. The transitions that are used are dissolves which is noticable and unnerves the audience further. These are some of the points that the group presented to us as a class which helps us to compare opening sequences and to spot the similarities.

Star Wars

In the opening sequence of star wars we are introduced to the location. We are also introduced to characters in the opening sequence, both heroes and villains. We are given an idea of the plot and storyline. Another convention used in this sequence, is the introduction of the themes that will be seen throughout the film. At the end of the opening sequence, we are left with a hook/cliffhanger, which are frequently used in opening sequences to engage the audience, and keep them watching. A lot of opening sequences use this in the opening sequence to keep the audience entertained and keep them wanting to watch.