Analysing Opening Sequences - 'Bride Wars', 'Split', 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'Red' and 'Iron Man'

Analysing Opening Sequences From Different Genres

I will be looking at five different opening scenes, from different genres to see if there are consistent conventions in opening scenes, regardless of the genre that each film belongs to. This will help me ensure that my opening sequence feels appropriate and authentic.

'Bride Wars' - rom-com

The typical conventions of opening sequences I found in this film are showing the production company idents at the start (20th Century Fox, Regency Enterprises) and using titles/credits for stars (Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Johnson, Chris Pratt, Steve Howey, Candice Bergen, Gary Winick), crew members and the name of the film. The music they use is upbeat and instantly indicates genre ('Something Special by Colbie Caillat). We are introduced to the main character and her character traits, and learn how her and her best friend are obsessed with how their weddings will look and where they will be.

'Split' - horror

The typical opening sequence conventions I found in this film are showing the company idents at the start (Universal, Blinding Edge, BH Productions). It doesn't show the titles or credits right at the start but a few minutes after being introduced to the main character then they show them, as its own separate credit sequence, including cast and director (M.Night Shyamalan, James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula), crew and the title of the film. 

We are introduced to the main character and her traits by the camera being close up on her and other characters speaking about her personality. The scene, because of its genre also creates mystery and enigma.

'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' - western

The typical conventions of opening sequences I found in this film are showing the production company logos/idents at the start (20th Century Fox), alongside titles featuring the actors and director (Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine ross, William Goldman, George Roy Hill), other crew members and the title of the film. We are introduced to the main character and learn he is a bank robber. We also see a bit of the setting which helps indicate the genre to the audience. How the character dresses also indicates what kind of genre it is.

'Red' - action/comedy

The typical conventions of opening sequences in this film are showing the production company idents (Entertainment One, Summit Entertainment, DC Comics) and showing the titles and credits of the main actors (Robert Schwentke, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren), the crew and the title of the film. We learn about the main character and what things he does in the morning and his job. The music is quite funky and upbeat.

'Iron Man' - superhero

The typical conventions of opening sequences in this film are showing the production company idents at the start (Paramount, Marvel), and using titles for location (Kumar Province, Afghanistan) and for the title of the film. The beginning is showing the present, then we are shown a flashback, both of which introduce the character traits of the film's protagonist.