The Dark Knight Opening Sequence Analysis

Sound

At the start of the clip there is a low beat that beats once repeatedly slowly. Then there is the sound of traffic in the background which suggests that it is set in a must city. A foley track is used to enhance the sound of people walking on gravel and the breaking of the glass. The sound of a car is also enhanced when it pulls up to the curb. All the characters are wearing masks whilst they are talking. I believe that they recorded the dialogue and placed it over the footage. This makes it clearer for the audience to understand. 

Camera Movement

There is an establishing shot of skyscrapers which suggests that the movie will be set in a busy. As it is in America I would think that it is set in New York. A high shot angle is used whilst the robbers are transitioning between two buildings. There are many close ups on the characters mask which could suggest that they are planning on committing a crime. There are also a few tracking shots following the different characters into buildings. Makes the audience feel as if they are part of the action. 

Genre

The music is one element of the opening sequence that helps establish the genre. The use of props is also another element. There are many guns shown throughout the opening sequence which indicates that there will be a lot of violence. Violence is usually used in action/thriller movies. 

My chosen genre

My chosen genre for my film is Action/Thriller. This is my research of this genre.

The aim of a thriller/action is to create suspense and excitement for the audience. It heavily stimulates the viewers moods giving them a high level off anticipation and anxiety. There are usually many car chases, violence and revenge.
The setting varies depending on the narrative. For example Taken was set in a suburban town, but then was moved to Paris, France for its new location.
The music is fast paced in scenes of violence and action to match the speed of bullets for example.
There are many cuts in the scenes of violence which allows the audience to see the action from many different angles. There are also many close ups on the face (sweat dripping) and weapons of violence.

Genre- Romance

ROMANCE
The narrative of a romance is a love story between a man and woman. In many there is a protective father who doesn't approve of his daughters boyfriend, so he has to rebel against him to see her. There is also usually an argument which is resolved towards the end of the movie.
Setting- romantic scenes such as beaches. Filmed in towns, cities, high school and many other places. It is quite generic and could be filmed anywhere.
Technical codes- plenty of long shots to show couples in different types of scenery. Tracking shots e.g. couple walking through a park. Close ups on hand holding and kissing scenes.
Lighting- the lighting really does depend on the type of atmosphere and mood that particular scene has. As it is normally happiness there are many bright colours. Blue skies and bright sunshine.
Characters- Depending on where the movie is set e.g. In high school= teenage boy and girl. There could also already be a couple to begin with.

However not all romantic films go down this route. Romeo and Juliet is the perfect example of a different type of romance. 

Genre- Horror

HORROR
Settings- Set in a small town. Locations often appear dark and isolated e.g. abandoned house, forest.
Technical code- extreme close ups to emphasise the subject. Establishing shots to show the location. Long shots to help show the danger or what the lad character is surrounded by.
Iconography- Lighting is quiet dark as it is usually filmed in the evening. The colour red is used which suggests danger. Dull colours such as grey and washed out green.
Characters- There is often a new character moving into a new town. The character is usually aware that something is not right. Not many well known star personas, as it makes it more believable if there is someone they don't know. This helps them forget that it is a movie that they are watching.

Genre- Comedy

Genres are categories that films are placed into that have similar cliches and narrative elements. Fictional films are normally categorised according to their theme, setting and mood. Although this is usually the case, some films with the same context can be categorised into different genres. For example, there is a film about war yet one is a comedy and the other is an action film.

Different types of genre

COMEDY
Comedy is the most popular genre in film. This genre belongs to the films which evoke laughter from their audience.
Settings- Bright places, well populated areas. Teen comedy= high schools and small towns. Social comedy= bars and houses.
Technical code- camera follows the character, meaning loads of tracking shots. Many medium shots and close up shots to show characters over exaggerated facial expressions. Sounds are edited to add humour.
Iconography- Bright, bold colours are often used. Yellow, green and blue are most often used. Lighting is often bright, as it is filmed during the day.
Characters- idiotic and accident prone, socially awkward, over exaggerated smart people.