Film Opening II! (Research)

This is a direct continuation of the previous blog, however in this one, I will be analyzing the opening to the Devil Wears Prada. Though this may seem outlandish, compared to the other films I have analyzed previously, there is a reason.

(2006) The Devil Wears Prada’s Film Opening

The purpose of this opening is to define and establish who the protagonist is before the story even begins (character-establishing). 

MISE EN SCENE

This opening includes multiple direct contrast between Andy and the other women, specifically how they carry themselves. Andy does not fit in with the other girls and her costume is the biggest signifier of this. In this society, women enact authority through the way they’re dressed visually, making their appearance function as status. Additionally, the other women act with purpose and move precisely whilst Andy moves more causally and is accidentally unaware of the space she takes.

All of this allows the film to visually tell us who Andy is immediately: someone who does not fit the expected version of femininity to belong in this world. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

Another women on the street

Andy walking on the street

During the outside montage shots. Cinematography is used to further separate Andy from the rest of the other women. For example, the other women on the street seemingly walk confidently, with a purpose. The camera follows this by gliding along smoothly with the women (usually at an eye level). This is used to show their posture, outfit, and their assertiveness/dominance. 

Meanwhile, Andy is shown through mobile/handheld and low-leveled/high-angled shots. It exemplifies her naivety in the world she has yet to enter. This additionally is used to invite the audience with her, further demonstrating how she does not fit in.

How will I incorporate this into my film? 

In my film, my idea is to reverse social/patriarchy roles. I want to borrow the visuals and characters conventions that mainstream media mostly uses to represent women. In the Devil Wears Prada, Andy represents how women are judged and valued based on how well they fit the socially constructed idea of femininity (graceful and perfect). At the start, she does not fit in visually since she does not conform, the film treats this as a flaw when comparing her to the other female characters. As Andy changes to fit the norms, the film treats her conformity as growth, revealing hidden misogyny many mainstream media carried.

By opening my film similar to the Devil Wears Prada, it allows the audience to settle into the assumption that feminism power relates to their beauty and how women often compete against one another. I plan on interrupting this belief . In short, I want to follow the stereotype in order to contrast this with further events in my film. Creating a sudden pivot that may throw off the audience’s expectations.