RESEARCH-analysis of 2 film openings

Superbad-2007

The opening titles to Superbad doesn't meet a specific structure.However the structure that the opening fits mostly with would be titles over a black screen, followed by the narrative opening. 

The opening sequence doesn't have anything to do with the narrative apart from the fact the boys are trying to be cool  dancing, and trying to be cool throughout the film, it also lacks sophistication with all the colours used which also reflects the characters in the film.

Although the opening is nearest to titles over a black screen, the titles are in fact coloured throughout along with the background which then change and contrast.This already adds to the film having a fun enjoyable atmosphere.

However the viewer isn't focused on the titles because their is also coloured silhouettes dancing along side the titles which contain so much comedy and personality into simple silhouettes they take the viewers attention, and from this are able to identify the film is a comedy.

The camera movement throughout is stationed in one place, this makes it simple for the viewer to only focus on the imagery shown and not get distracted by other things. 

-Throughout the introduction it portrays a 70s feel, this is mainly through the music but also the imagery and editing. All the bright colours used and the fact they flash gives the scene a disco feel, this is then continued by the dancing silhouettes who deliberately dance  badly but it still works as it adds comedy. The music is also very disco like as you can hear brass instruments used aswell as a synthesizer.

Forrest Gump- 1994

Forrest Gumps opening structure is a narrative opening with the titles running throughout. The opening is quite simple yet has some very complex techniques used, the whole opening scene was taken by one shot and features no cuts.
The opening shot begins with a feather floating which already represents innocence and kindness. The camera follows the feather floating in all directions which has no control over its own fate due to the wind, until is rests on Forrests shoe.
This feather may be foreshadowing how Forrests life has been  and how he has floated through it like it was nothing.
 It represents life's journey and no matter what it always continues, the feather begins in the sky to symbolise freedom and that their are no limits to where it can take you.
-The lighting looks as if it is natural light on a cloudy dull day.The camera beings with a high view over a town which leads on to a birds eye view of the feather on a gentleman's shoulder.It then tracks in and pans to the left when the feather finally lands on to Forrests shoe. The camera movement is very slow and steady which adds to the feather and Forrest being fragile.
-The music is non diegetic and begins at the very start, it consists of a soft piano and violin which creates a classical tone, and quite a romantic feel. The diegetic sound of traffic and people talking then occurs when the camera  has a bird eye view which adds to the normal feel of everyday life.