Film Opening Storyline

Establishing Shot:

The film begins with a wide shot of a dimly lit room, behind the throne of the mob boss. There are multiple mobsters sitting on the ends of the table, as they are speaking to the mob boss.

Introduction of main characters:

The mobsters are introduced as they are talking to the mob boss at the very beginning of the film.

The shot switches over to the pair of detectives revealing information about the mob boss to each other.

It switches back to the mobsters, as they can be heard telling the mob boss information on the vigilante hunting him.

The mob bosses body is introduced, not revealing his identity, as he is asking the mobsters further questions on the vigilante.

The camera switches to a closer shot of the mobsters, further showing the expression of fear in their faces.

Introduction of Vigilante:

When the camera switches back to the detectives, they can be seen walking away while talking about mob boss and mobsters.

Switches back to mob boss, he can be seen slamming table out of anger after mobsters answer questions, slightly more of face is revealed.

The next scene shows vigilante going into closet, showing a costume hanging from closet.

When switched back to mob boss, he is raging at mobsters to catch vigilante.

Vigilante can be seen grabbing costume from hanger, and walking out of frame.

Black screen.

Film Opening Brainstorming

 After we finished researching conventions in action/adventure films and common patterns seen in these films, it was time to begin brainstorming on our introduction to the film.

    The opening scene of any movie is extremely important for the story, as well as grabbing the audiences attention, especially in an action film. Starting a movie with a bang and immediately shocking the audience can dictate their reactions for the rest of the film. That is why it is crucial for us to plan ahead, and take inspiration from popular action films.

    The main film I used as inspiration was John wick, specifically John Wick 3. I think the way they started the film is perfect, as it grabs the audiences attention, and leaves them wondering what will happen next. It is important that we don't immediately reveal to much information, as it doesn't give the viewers time to think for themselves, and ponder at what could come next. 

    I have always enjoyed when a villain or enemy is introduced almost immediately. Although John Wick 3 did not do this, it is common for film makers to immediately introduce the antagonist, as they are often the most intriguing characters. I think doing this would be extremely beneficial for us, as we are only making the introduction and not the entire film. Not being able to show an entire film can prove to be difficult, as it is very difficult to reveal an entire story in the first two minutes, which is why we will introduce the antagonist immediately.

    Considering it just the two of us, and not entire production company, we will need to use as little props as possible, to fit our budget. Creating a villain that is mysterious, and not revealing his identity entirely, would be an easy way to limit our spending's for the film. While not revealing the antagonist entirely may limit our story and creativity, I think with the right lines and camera angles, we can make the most out of the situation.

Here is a list of a couple other ideas my group came up with:

- Multiple antagonists instead of just one

- victims being revealed to audience

- a meeting between the hero and villain

    Our group wants to establish as many characters as we can, with out cramming in to much information. While it may difficult, we want to immediately introduce the characters, as well as their motives, to further show the story.

Film Opening Research #2 - The suicide Squad

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences of the film? There are production titles at the beginning of the film. There is no film title displayed.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? The beginning sequence mostly shows the thick and grey concrete walls of a prison. As well as the orange jumpsuit of the first character shown.

3. What connotations do the images carry? The images of the blank grey walls show a sense of solitude and darkness. Them showing the aspects of the prison connotate that this film is darker than other hero films, and tells the audience that the characters are not your usual heroes.

4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? The action genre is reinforced at the very beginning when savant throws the balls and kills the bird, it shows that he is no ordinary person. Also when all of the characters are introduced in an almost corny way, it further symbolizes an action and superhero film. The hard rock music played in the background while the suicide squad is being introduced provides a gritty background, further telling that they are no ordinary heroes.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? The film establishes the action/adventure enigma as soon as they introduce the suicide squad. The filmmakers purposely use a very corny way of introducing the characters to further establish the superhero enigma. 

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? This film sets a much more edgy and gritty precedent from the very beginning. The suicide squad appeals to a much older audience, which is why they used a very corny entrance for the characters in a way to poke fun at other hero films. The use of adult humor is very prominent from the very beginning, which is another way the filmmakers appealed to an older audience.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. The use of technology allowed the filmmakers to make many different edits and visuals when introducing all the different characters. Also, it gave them more options when making the visuals for all of the heroes.

Film Opening Research #1 - John Wick Chapter 3

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences of the film? 

The main title of the movie is displayed once at the very beginning. This is shortly after all of the production company's titles were displayed.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

Just before the title is displayed they show a sequence filled with coins and jewelry, as well bullets flying through the air. Shortly after this, a big city is shown from above displaying bustling streets with towering skyscrapers.

3. What connotations do the images carry? 

The many images of jewelry and coins connotate wealth and power. The jewelry looks to be very old and outdated, which shows the audience the history involved in the film. The bullet flying through the screen is very important as it previews the use of guns and fighting in the film.

4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

The action and adventure genre is reinforced through the gloomy and vast setting of the city. The movie is set at night which establishes an adventurous feeling to the film. Also, much of the previous movies have taken place in a large city setting. The pouring rain over the streets gives a sense of chaos which further reinforces the action genre in this film.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 

The film begins with John wick running with a sense of urgency on the sidewalk, through the pouring rain. This immediately grabs the audience's attention, making them question why he is in such a hurry, as well as the importance of this scene.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The previous john wick films have all had a sort of retro style to them, which is also apparent in the opening scene of the movie. This quickly attracts the fans of the previous John Wick films and is a good way to grab their attention. Also, a close-up of John Wicks's dog following him in the rain is shown, which could appeal to any dog lovers watching the film.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

Technology has allowed the filmmakers to get wide shots of the bustling city from above, and close-ups of the towering buildings. This allows them to show the vastness of the city and the true scale of the film.

Action / Adventure Conventions

 Film Conventions

Genre of Choice: Action / Adventure

Most, if not all action films have a very similar plotline and structure to them. Simply put, there is almost always a villain, someone who is the main antagonist of the film, and a hero / main character, the main protagonist meant to stop the villain. 

All villains/antagonists generally all have radical ideas that the hero/protagonist tries to prevent. The hero usually has a purpose and reason for stopping the villain, while trying to protect the victims and bystanders. While sometimes a villain may be much more obvious, like a dark supervillain, many times villains can be disguised as businesses or corporations and used as an antagonist in a much different way. 

Heroes are those who are against the villain and are the main protagonist of films. Heroes always come out on top and are the ones who save the day. Generally, heroes are the main character of the film, while everything generally revolves around them. Audiences usually side with the hero, while they are the ones protecting the victims. Victims often relate to the hero in some way and all root against the villain.

Victims are a much more flexible part of action/adventure movies. Victims can range from love interests, injured heroes, and most often regular citizens. Victims can most often be found in between the conflict of the protagonist and antagonist. Many times, victims will be used as a driving force for the heroes, and often help the hero succeed. While victims are a much more broad convention of the genre, they always have a part in the plot and outcome.

Production Techniques

Most Action / adventure films are filmed in large landscapes. Whether that be a big city, like New York, or a seemingly endless field, action films require much more background and scenery than other genres.

It's common the background and landscape are utilized in fight scenes. All the way from a hero using barricades to protect the citizens to a villain throwing a car, landscapes are very important to action / adventure films.

Costumes vary depending on the film, if it is a superhero movie, main characters are often seen in skin tight outfits bearing a cape. Superheroes all have costumes specific to them, correct costume design is a very important part when adapting comics to film. Bright colors are often used to portray the hero, while dark and grittier colors can represent evil. 

Action / Adventure films have a very wide target audience. While most films are mainly targeted to a younger audience of children and teens, adults seem to enjoy the films just as much. But, while there may be films targeted to young audiences, action films can also cater to adults with films such as die hard and Rambo.

EXAMPLE #1: The Dark Knight

The dark knight is arguably the best superhero film ever made. The performances by both Heath ledger and Christian bale are nothing but extraordinary. Director Christopher Nolan did an amazing job of adapting the comics to the big screen and did not hold back at all. The sinister laugh of the joker and his maniacal ideas give a much darker tone than other superhero films. Much of the stunts were performed rather than the use of CGI, which gives a much more realistic effect to the film. Overall, the dark knight is an amazing film, and even someone who doesn't enjoy superhero movies can enjoy it.

EXAMPLE #2: John Wick

John wick, while it may not be a superhero film, is an extreme action film that features many of the same characteristics of a superhero story. John wick is an amazing action film that has some of the fighting scenes in modern cinema. The mercenary story arc of john wick manages to portray John wick as not only an extremely dangerous hitman but also a very lonely and grieving man. John wick does an amazing job at utilizing large landscapes to their advantage, especially when it comes to fighting. John wick can be seen as a benchmark for other action films, mainly due to the masterful camera work during action scenes. 

EXAMPLE #3: Rambo

EXAMPLE #4: Avengers Infinity War

EXAMPLE #5: Iron Man

EXAMPLE #6: Kingsman 

EXAMPLE #7: Deadpool