2. The Main Conventions
• Opening sequences in films have one central purpose: to attract target
audiences and persuade them to carry on watching the rest of the film. They all
follow fundamental conventions, which I outline below, but each also seeks to
be creatively distinctive. Each aims to signal its genre and draw attention to its
main themes and characters rapidly and efficiently.
• It is important that the opening signals the genre and theme of the film. The
genre of the film is usually quickly established through clear signals such as
distinct visual and sound codes. For example, the opening of a comedy or
romcom, such as Mama Mia and The Notebook, consist of lighthearted
atmosphere mixed with a playful tone, high key colour lighting and upbeat
soundtrack; this generates a feelgood mood preparing the audience for laughter.
• Principle actors feature in title sequences, usually playing the protagonist
and/or antagonist early on to identity key characters. These are often in
conjunction with their name, along with other credits important to the film,
such as key creatives, like the director, director of photography and the film
title.
3. Narrative Codes
• Roland Barthes developed a concept of narrative being interwoven with one of
two codes; action or enigma. The function of an opening sequence is to capture
then retain audience interest, so they keep watching to find out what happens.
In order to maintain the audience’s interest in the story, different techniques
are used, such as creating suspense in the narrative by unanswered questions
followed by anticipation of an action’s resolution. Barthes called this the
enigma code.
• Enigmas exist as unexplained plot elements which are manipulated into the
storyline. The effect of enigmas result in desperate need for resolution. The
developing narrative allows for discoveries and questions to be uncovered.
• By contrast, film narrative expressed through action codes feature events that
unfold, triggering further actions to be taken place. Each development leads to
the following stage of narrative, ultimately finishing in the climax of the story.
4. Establishing Genre
• Mise-en-scene, the setting or surroundings of an event, plays a
major part in the establishment of the genre. The visual codes
involved provide further understanding of the theme of the film.
This includes scenery, casting, character outfits and props,
posture and gesture, lighting, all of which are essential to the
audience’s perceptive of film genre. Mise-en-scene can indicate a
period in history, mood and tone.
• For example, within a horror, the key conventions presented to
the audience might be the use of low lighting, an unnerving
setting and the use of dark colours. This would foreshadow the
unsettling scenes to come, including violence and terror.
5. Sound Codes
• In opening scenes of films the soundtrack is an important part of creating
meaning. Sound may be diegetic or non-diegetic. Sound codes are important
tools in creating atmosphere, signalling the genre and making the narrative as
convincing as possible.
• The most common is non-diegetic, as it assists in setting the scene for the
audience, conveying the type of genre and what to expect in the film. This is
commonly done through music reflecting the mood. For example, slow, sweet
and natural music hints at a romantic film. Some film openings use voice-overs
to explain the context and to introduce theme, character or plot, such as Gone
Girl.
• However, some film openings use diegetic sound, sound sourced from the film’s
world. This provides the audience with a greater understanding of the
characters. For the example, if a character was heard playing the piano, they
would be given musical characteristics.
6. Titles
• Title sequences inform the audience about cast members,
creatives and organisations involved in the making of the film.
Title sequences are important in attracting an audience and are
usually very creative and striking. Commonly this convention is
used as a method of attraction for a film’s audience, for example,
as particular actors are cast with leading roles to appeal to
specific audiences (age, gender, genre).
7. Logos for Distributors, Studios and Production
Companies
• Film openings will always show logos or identification of the
companies' production as well as the distribution involved. These
often provide the audience with insight to the film, contributing
to the expectations. Often large production companies have a
larger budget available and it is expected to be a big budget block
buster film, for example Walt Disney.
