The Notebook
The Notebook instantly presents the viewers with a romantic, calming scene by the use of classical music and luscious, highly saturated colours, in this case a vibrant red and a piano piece. We are immediately introduced to an anonymous character rowing a small boat on sunlit water. The romantic feel is emphasised greatly by the sunset opening image which has connotations to something dreamy and fanciful, as well as its strong red colour which can be viewed as a colour relating to love. The dark red not only emphasises the mood of romance but also gives it a sense of seriousness and meaningfulness. This furthermore presents the movie genre of
romance. Swans are also included closer to the end as they are often a symbol for love and peace, therefore contributing towards the emotion carried.
The camera isn't completely focused, allowing the picture to become more fuzzy and soft, relating to the overall mood of a less serious, ataractic atmosphere. Furthermore, the use of having only one single actor in the opening ensures the relaxed atmosphere to avoid anything too dramatic or busy. The person in the boat is never closely identified which creates a sense of mystery and intrigues the viewers to continue watching as we want to know more about who they are and why they're on a rowing boat. As well as this, the films opening text is simple and plain which copies the simplistic but effective theme. The camera also zooms into the setting sun which may be done to draw attention to the weather and setting, as this is what helps present the gentle scene.
The Notebook opening sequence features title credits such as the A list star Ryan Gosling, which will draw in audiences that are fans of his. A star talent can always 'open' a movie and ensure at least opening weekend box off success. The titles are very subtle and delicate which matches the theme in the opening. The names of the other actors, such as Rachel McAdams, follow but in this sequence it is noticeable that they are all in lower case font, discrete and low-key, fitting in beautifully with the whole artistic feel and ambiance of the film, establishing its quietly romantic genre from the start. In many ways, the opening sequence is unusual in it's slow pace, quiet camerawork and avoidance of overt drama. It invites, seduces and cajoles rather than demands attention. The editing is subtle, with the opening wide shot transitioning into a closer view of the row boat, inviting the audiences attention, by framing the immense golden setting sun centre stage. It is at this point that the film's title is introduced: once again, very understanding and lowkey. The third transition moves the audience even closer in, gently winding up their curiosity, and makes the first cross-dissolve, a gentle editing technique that fits the genre well connoting the sustained tranquility of the evening and mood.
The non-diegetic background music of the piano is positive and slow, capturing the viewers with its relaxing rhythm. This entrance to the film foreshadows the overall movie theme of romance for the viewers and attracts them immediately.
The editors have filmed multiple different camera shots of the rower in his boat on the water, some medium close ups and other far away shots to help set the scene and match the slower pace of the back ground, non-diegetic sound.
At the end, the film establishes an enigma because a miserable elder woman is watching the rower from behind her closed window of an old peoples home. The enigma is the questioning behind why she's watching him and what the purpose of that scene is.
The final title reveals the director Nick Cassavetes whose track record as an actor, director and writer makes him significant. Placing a well-known director's name prominently lends pedigree to a film.
To Kill A Mockingbird
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/to-kill-a-mockingbird/
To initially gain the audiences attention, a soft, calming piano piece is used, which connotes to a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. The next noticeable detail is the use of a black and white filter, which someone from a modern day audience may say deters the viewers as it could be less attractive of gripping. This effect may have been used to distract the audience from any vivid colours or elements which may have taken the attention off of the action (the purposes behind it) and words displayed. Not only this, but it also embraces the time period of which the film was set, 1929-1939, bringing the audience to a more appropriate setting. This filter could also indicate a more serious approach, as if it were colourful it would be looked at in a different way. We are then introduced to a box which we discover to be a toy box, filled with childish equipment such as crayons and marbles, which highlights the youthful theme and continues to enhance a positive atmosphere. The audience are able to gain the idea about the toys in the box being significant due to the way the camera shot is initially a high angle shot from above, and then zooms in closer, which creates the idea that the box and it's toys are used on purpose.
As the video continues, the filmers proceed to use close up shots which bring the audiences focus on different aspects such as the drawings or the toys. This may have been done to draw the attention of the audience to the certain props, or just leave a calming, simplistic approach. Furthermore, as the video continues, a diegetic sound track of the child, Scout, mumbling a song whilst doodling is used. This effect engages the audience as it additionally matches the theme of 'youths' originally from the props.
As the video continues, the filmers proceed to use close up shots which bring the audiences focus on different aspects such as the drawings or the toys. This may have been done to draw the attention of the audience to the certain props, or just leave a calming, simplistic approach. Furthermore, as the video continues, a diegetic sound track of the child, Scout, mumbling a song whilst doodling is used. This effect engages the audience as it additionally matches the theme of 'youths' originally from the props.
To ensure nothing is too busy and the audience are able to read the titles and lyrics, a simple white font is used onto of the video, as well as being involved in the video such as when the child drawing shades over some writings which spell out, 'To Kill A Mocking Bird'. The diegetic background noise immediately indicates the childish theme as its a child singing, as well matches this uncomplicated approach as it doesn't contain any additional instruments and is just a single voice mumbling.
Gone girl
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/gone-girl/
We are first introduced to a plain black screen with simplistic white writing presenting the production company logos of ‘Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises’, as well as the names of the director, cast and other creatives which could have been done to encourage the audience’s choice of watching the film- maybe knowing the production company or director could be something which draws in a viewer. The chosen font is also a significant element of a production due to both it's visual aesthetics as well as contributing to the meanings behind why it is used. It may be used to match the genre or emphasise a theme. In this case, the bold white letters on the black makes the writing stand out and show the importance due to it being the only thing displayed on a plain screen.
The first thing we are introduced to as an audience, is a chilling line about a husband dreaming of cracking open his wife's skull ('I picture cracking her lovely skull'), immediately highlighting a tense, eery atmosphere. The fact this voice over is also being spoken over footage of what we guess is his hand stroking his wife's hair gently, creates a strong contrast and makes us feel uncomfortable due to the affection he's showing in then video compared to the descriptions he's talking about.
This distressing feeling is furthermore emphasised through both the eery non-diegetic background music playing calmly behind his smooth voice, as well as the grungy filter used. The lighting and filters used by the producers are significant as they help set the feel of the film and can match the genre; in this case, the darkened filter helps portray the mystery and coldness of our initial ideas as an audience.
We continue throughout the film opening to feel anxious about the wife's safety due to the feeling of isolation and helplessness due to the multiple camera shots setting the seen of a completely empty location, still and lonely. Both the camera angles and disturbing voice over help signal the idea of this film being a drama thriller and may intrigue viewers through the mystery and tension. The setting of a film is also useful to engage the audience through presenting where this film is set and get an idea of what the genre and theme throughout will be. A dark, empty town may connote ideas such as confinement and secrecy. Multiple establishing shots are used to draw attention to the variety of worn out, rustic shops and signs, purposefully done to add the sinister feel through the props.
