I Am Legend Opening Sequence Analysis

There is off screen diegetic dialogue of a sports news report. When the topic changes a news reader appears on the screen.
There are a few shot/reverse shots, as they are having a conversation. The camera then stays on a close up of Emma Thompsons character which could suggest her importance in this particular scene.
I chose to analyse this sequence because the concept of the movie is very similar to ours. However, there is not much to talk about.

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. 

Phantom of the Opera

I will be analysing the Mise en Scene of Phantom of the Opera (2004) directed by Joel Schumacher.
Mise en scene includes a variety of different elements which help create meaning. These include:

• Props
• Lighting
• Costume
• Make Up
• Setting
• Facial Expressions
• Position of characters and objects in the frame

At the start of the movie we can evidently see that it was set in a particular period of time. This is shown through the colours of the scene. The opening scene is filmed in black and white which suggests that this was film was set in a distant past.

Titles/Credits:
The credits appear in a gold font with a slight shine around it. It is placed on a black background which makes the credits stand out. The title of the film then appears in a much bigger, handwritten font. The colour gold is often used to symbolise wealth which fits in with the opening sequence, as we are introduced to upper class characters at an auction.

Setting:
It is set in an out of business theatre which has transferred into a auction room. It is a large theatre which appears to have magnificent interior. It is covered in cobwebs and dust which creates a mysterious atmosphere. The theatre indicates that it was used to entertain many people of higher class during that time.

Costume:
The male characters are wearing a black suit/ top hats and the woman in the scene is wearing a black dress and veil. Both of the characters are wearing sophisticated clothing which suggests that they are wealthy. The costume also helps emphasise the time period this film was set in.

Music/sound:
At the start of the clip we hear the sound of a candle burning. This slowly builds into a sound of people walking and wind. Music plays a big part in the opening sequence of the film. It gives an eery feel to the start which helps increase suspense. It is also used to show the importance of the chandelier which is revealed from underneath a cloth. Towards the end, the opening crescendo music dusts of the dirt from around the theatre and slowly starts adding colour to all the props/settings. This helps imply the grandness of the theatre.

Lighting:
Low key lighting is used throughout the majority of the sequence. This creates an dull, spooky atmosphere. However, when the chandelier was displayed, the lights became lighter signifying the energy and power it has.

Colours:
When the theatre becomes to uncovers its grandness, the main colours used are red and gold. Red represents a fiery heat feel and warmth as well as wealth which gold also represents. This also suggests that the theatre is often visited by wealthy people.