Opening Sequences: The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer - 1998
Director: Frank Coraci

The opening sequence of The Wedding Singer immediately sets the tone and atmosphere of the film. The blue shadowed credits on a black background show that the film may be old, even though it wasn't made very long ago. The song used also emphasises that it may be set in the past, along with the costumes used throughout the sequence. All of the clothes used are typical 80's fashion- bold colours and big features. Also the title, The Wedding Singer, helps the audience to decipher the film's era- as their popularity has decreased in the 21st century. The first shot of the main character Robbie Hart, played by Adam Sandler, shows that this film is most likely to be a romantic comedy- a genre which he is most associated with.

Opening Sequences: Once Upon A Time In Mexico

Once Upon A Time In Mexico - 2003
Director: Robert Rodriguez

The opening of this film immediately helps the audience to recognise the setting of the film. The bright lighting and exotic colours show us the time of day and help to set the mood of the film. We are also immediately introduced to the character played by Antonio Banderas; who we assume to be the main protagonist of the picture. His character, El Mariachi, is playing guitar in the streets and the camera soon starts to follow him around the town. The use of the tracking shot allows the audience to feel as if they are a part of the film, whilst also further helping to create a setting. The close up shot of his guitar also gives him character more depth, as we can assume that he is very artistic and passionate about music. Both the music and lighting help to create an exotic atmosphere, along with the variety of camera shots used to display both the setting and the characters. The simple yet bold credits are used not to distract the viewer from the image on the screen but to heighten the mexican mood. The sweeping and panning shots of the city suggest that we will experience them throughout the film and also make the opening seem more dramatic, along with the increasing tension caused by the music.

Opening Sequences: The Pianist

The Pianist - 2002
Director: Roman Polanski

The first image we see of the film of of dark grey clouds. This image remains throughout the whole of the sequence; giving the sense of a dark, gloomy atmosphere. The credits appear in simple black font, not trying to take too much attention from the images on screen. The dark and ominous music also helps to create a gloomy mood, as if something bad is going to or already has happened. The clouds stay present in the sequence, but start to fade as the music opens. We see a fuzzy image of people lying on he ground; one in which some people will immediately be able so recognise or associate with a specific event in history. Iconic images are shown throughout to give the audience an idea as to what the film is about whilst also setting the tone and mood of the film. Very low lighting and primary colours are used for simplicity, as is the transition from image to image. This may have been done for emotive effect, as it will get the audience thinking and engage them immediately. The sequence ends the way it starts- with an image of grey clouds sweeping slowly across the screen.