Film Opening Sequence Analysis *Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice

Name: Megan Hughes

My Analysis

Supporting Images

Cinematography & Camera Techniques

The film ‘Pulp Fiction’ contains a large variety of different shots in its opening title sequence. For example, in the diner when we see the waitress pouring coffee it’s close up on her face to show facial expression, however, when the two customers (the man and woman) stand up to begin the robbery they plotted for the diner, it changes to a medium shot to more of their body is included to show body language. Also, a lot of the time in the title sequence you see two shots; when there is two subjects in the scene at once (so for example the two customers having a conversation in one of the booths at the diner). Often we see over the shoulder shots and POV shots when the two main characters are having a conversation as the camera changes positions to where each of them are sat (or behind them) when the other one is talking so you can see it from their perspective. This is good for the audience as it gives them a chance to see things through the characters eyes and it could potentially be more welcoming. A good example of an establishing shot is the way they show the setting in the background (American diner theme) so it lets the audience know the basics such as: what country it’s based in and what era it’s set in… This then allows the audience to know where the robbery they’re plotting will take place. There are multiple examples of change in camera angles throughout the film opening title sequence. You will find that the angle changes often, almost in a matter of seconds because a lot of the time they do it from the characters point of view. Due to the characters being sat down during this scene, the camera is angled at a very low point to show the audience that the camera is almost exactly where the other person is sat.

POV SHOT

CLOSE UP SHOT

TWO SHOT // ESTABLISHING SHOT

Film Opening Sequence Analysis *Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice

Use of tracking and zooming is shown throughout the dialogue between the two characters. An example of tracking is when the camera is angled at the man but is slowly moving across to the right for a few seconds to show his face and body from a slight different angle. An example of zooming is when the man is plotting the robbery and the camera zooms into his face to show his facial expression of being serious and eager.

OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT

Visual Effects & Colour Scheme

Within the opening title sequence, it’s obvious to notice that the setting is in America due to the typical1950s theme dinner with red booths and the way it’s all set out. Also, in the background noise you can hear the typical diner music and games machines and the other customers talking. It looks as if the lighting is very natural and comes from the window as if no artificial lighting has been used which creates a shadow effect from the characters.

Genre Conventions

By watching the beginning of the opening title sequence you would think that the film genre is comedy due to the characters and the way they speak about the robberies they do as if it’s a normal thing… Also, they kiss and talk to each other in a hysterical over exaggerated way. As well as this their facial expressions and body language indicate signs of comedy. However it misleads you because as you get towards the end of the sequence, a gun is brought out onto the table and right at the end they threaten the diner and begin the robbery which indicates signs of a crime/dark action/gangster/drama kind of film.

Film Opening Sequence Analysis *Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice

Narrative

The opening title sequence consists of just dialogue between the 3 characters and they basically explain to you what is going to happen within the film. Whilst the 3 characters are speaking, it is easy to recognise that the film is based in America due to the American accent. Throughout the title sequence there is a series of diegetic and non-diegetic sound: Diegetic sound is for example, the characters voices and non-diegetic sound is for example, the music in the background.

Editing Techniques

There were only a couple of editing techniques shown in the Pulp Fiction opening title sequence. One of them was the use of cutaways when the robbery is about to take place; it occurs just before the woman stands up to threaten people.

Title Credit Design

There were no titles featured within the opening title sequence of Pulp Fiction.

Film Opening Sequence Analysis *Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice