Introduction to Genres + Themes

Today in class we looked at the themes which are displayed in opening sequences of: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Juno and Pulp Fiction. Below are some images of our classwork. Opening sequences or credits are a classic part of American and British film making, it has become the model technique of beginning a film. We worked in groups to complete the task which explains why there are 5 post-it notes.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has an enthralling opening sequence; we can see from the title credits that the film is a gothic thriller. There was extensive use of dark colours, shadows and a metallic tones. I particularly liked how blood was displayed as ink to add to the theme of tattoos.  The music has a strong beat to it, we can tell it is from the heavy metal genre. 
(Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song)

This is a clip of the opening sequence of 
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVLJkIZvFlo

Juno 
Juno is a light hearted comedy drama; it's a coming of age film which develops from a young girl walking down a street into a cartoon or imaginary world. This is the use of video filters on live action. The idea of using a cartoon in the opening sequence is almost a metaphor for the theme of the movie; it creates a sense of humour and displays that the film isn't very serious. The opening credits is just a simple tracking shot of a woman walking through her village. This may have been used to display what a simple life she has. The music used is folky and feel good which will entertain and prepare the viewers for the film. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20PQBtyfNZY

Pulp Fiction
Pulp fiction is a well known action comedy it uses lots of strong language which sets the viewer up for the rest of the film, furthermore it is dialogue heavy but this is useful as we can see who the main characters are and what they are like! There are many effective camera angles used which enhance the communication between the two characters. I think it is effective how there is no use of music just diegetic sound as the viewer will pick up on this; it is a very serious start which catches the viewers attention and suddenly at the dramatic ending the beat drops and the opening credits begin! The use of retro music with a strong beat displays the time setting this is also backed up as the characters are in a classic diner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jomr9SAjcyw