Film Opening I! (Research)

Context

In this and the next blog, I will be focusing on film openings I enjoy and would like to take inspiration or incorporate into my final production. I will be focusing on the Mise en Scene and cinematography aspects. 

By doing this we can see how films introduces itself. How it showcases the plot, characters, and ideas... Additionally, how effective it is. 

(1975) Jaws' opening

Jaws open by having a warm/inviting feeling that turns horrid after the first attack.

MISE EN SCENE

Still from Jaws (1975)

This shot relies on very little lighting. Creating an intimate and personal aesthetic. This message is further conveyed through its setting. It uses a friendly hangout at night by the beachside that may be familiar to the audience. Looking deeper in the mise en scene, the causal outfits, everyday items and guitars further expand on the friendly, cozy and free ambience. 

Still from Jaws (1975)

In this scene, there is plenty of negative spaces. Primarily, it draws the audience's attention to the girl and the buoy. But also, it can be use to demonstrate the endless sea and possibly agoraphobia/thalassophobia. The buoy signifies danger/cation and how she is too deep in this situation to get out. Evoking more of the fear element. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

At first, the filmmakers shot wide still and distant shots. This makes us feel outside and an "observer," like we're not included in the film and we cannot help.

As the girl stay in the water, the camera shots gets closer to medium to medium close-ups. This forces us to be more included in the scene, and thus feel how the girl feels, especially her fear. Additionally, the low leveled, high-angled POV shot adds onto the fear of being watched/predated, since she cannot see below. 

How will I incorporate this into my film?

First, I wanted to do a genre flip in my film using genres that (for the most part) contradicts one another. To recreate a soft intimate and inviting scene, I can make use of warm lighting, low exposure and familiar environments (in this case, it’s a hangout with friends at a beach). Using Mise en Scene and the rule of thirds, I can direct the audience attention to the most important part. While simultaneously, foreshadowing by using signs (like the buoy). 

Cinematographically, I can mirror Jaws by moving to large, establishing and “observational” shots to more tighter and restrictive framing. The wide shots allows audience to settle into the scene while the later close up shots reduces spacial awareness and create forced proximity with the audience and the character. This creates a scene of uneasiness. Additionally, I’d like to incorporate off screen deaths/violence. This leaves the audience to imagine what happened and further emphasize the “only reveal the monster until the last moment”, this builds anticipation and the fear of the unknown.