ROMANCE AND ACTION FILM OPENINGS

By Shema Begum

FILM OPENING OF MR & MRS SMITH

• Mr & Mrs Smith is an American romantic comedy action film. The film includes a bored married couple who are surprised to learn that they are both assassins hired by competing agencies to kill each other.

• In the film opening of Mr & Mrs Smith; the first thing that is presented is the Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation logo. The film opening starts with a man and women being questioned about their sexual relationship and intimacy by someone who is hidden; the two protagonists act as the narrative voice for the audience. This already suggests that they are going through some sort of marriage crisis and that the genre of the film is related to romance. Every time the couple pause through their interview; a production name/logo is shown. After a while of the couple continuing to answer questions, the film of the title is publicised; it is suited more towards the genre of action rather than romance as the font and style is dull instead of colourful. The final feature included in this film opening is the text orientation; this outlines the time and place of the movie.

• An establishing shot is used to outline the protagonists of the film and the setting of the movie; this suggests the film revolves around the couple. Diegetic sound is included of the voices of the characters which reveals their personalities. Parallel edit is used as part of the editing when the characters are being interviewed; this shows the contrast between the features of a film opening and the voices of the characters. Mise en scene is used to present the setting as based on a homely setting; sofa’s are included. Also the makeup and outfits of the characters highlight traditional gender roles and also a traditional film based on the romance genre.

FILM OPENING OF TWILIGHT• The Twilight Saga is a series of five American romance fantasy films. It focuses on the development of

a personal relationship between a human teenager and vampire, and the subsequent efforts of the vampire and his family to keep the teenager safe fro, a separate group of hostile vampires.

• In the film opening of Twilight the production logo is presented; this is very common in film openings. A soundtrack is also used in the background; this gives a bit of insight into the film before the film starts. One of the male protagonist is introduced; already this shows who the film revolves around and tells the audience a bit more about the character. Then, the setting is established; this reveals the place of the movie and shows a sense of mystery as it is raining. A subheading is provided; font and style of text is used which is suited to the genre of fantasy. We are also introduced to a male and female protagonists which suggest the film is based on romance.

• A close up shot is provided of the protagonist’s face; this reassures the audience of the fact that this character is a protagonist and will remain one throughout the film. Diegetic sound of the character’s voice is included as at the start the character is questioning some movement. Music is also used to suit the atmosphere and setting; the tense sound effects drag the audience in as they feel curious. Fading out is used as part of editing; this is used to indicate that a period of time has passed between the previous and next scene. As part of mise en scene, the first male protagonist is dressed like a young teen with a bag pack; this suggests he is a student and is on his way to somewhere. In addition; both the male and female characters are dressed like young teens who are spending their time together; this suggests they are young teens who share love and intimacy.