A Comparison of the techniques used in the opening sequence of two films - the Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers and Just Married.

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A Comparison of the techniques used in the opening sequence of two films.

The two films I have chosen to compare are the Lord of the Rings, the Two Towers and Just Married. The Lord of the Rings was made in 2002, directed by Peter Jackson, and it is fantasy/action film. I have chosen these films as they are two of my favourite and I thought it would be interesting to compare two films that are so contrasting.

The opening titles have a swelling theme tune running over them, building in strength and power. The font of the opening credits is written to create the effect of engravings on a tombstone, and it also resembles elfish writing. It is written in grey on a black background and has the effect of dark shadows passing over the letter. There is a full orchestral score, which builds up to a crescendo followed by a sustained note on horns and strings. The title of the film then appears this also has an engraved effect and has a three dimensional appearance. The title is in gold to represent the ring, the lighting comes from the side of the screen and throws shadows across the title. The ‘O’ in the word “Lord” appears later than the rest of the letters to resemble the ring; this increases and intensifies the impact on the viewer.

The first frame opens with a Long Shot. We are shown snow-capped mountains and a sunrise with the sun shining on the snow, which establishes where the action will take place. The first movement the camera makes is a crane shot looking from above down onto the mountains, showing the beauty of the mountains but also prepares the viewer for the unforgiving territory which the harsh action will take place in. The next shot is a panning shot of the mountains where the camera moves backwards and forward. This shows the great might of the mountains where they grow in power and intensity. There is a contrast of light from the sun and the bright blue sky to the shadows over the mountains. This is High Key lighting to give a realistic effect with natural light. The mountains still look beautiful, still and quiet but the non-diagetic sound of the wind is heard in the background under the eerie orchestral music, which is still to be heard. The camera retreats in a panning shot, which suddenly gets faster, this makes the viewer unable to anticipate what is coming to the screen and creates an uneasy feeling. This gives the effect of the camera falling away, which is a symbol of what Gandalf will experience later when he falls down the mine.

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Under the music you hear the non-diagetic shout of the last moments of Gandalfs struggle with the Balrog. The camera changes direction and starts to move forward and down as if in search for the source of the sound. Gandalf’s shouting is a link between the two camera movements; it is a turning point for the camera to change direction and move forward and something for the camera to follow into the next scene. When the camera moves down you can appreciate how vast the mountains are. As the camera turns there is an edit and the screen dissolves ...

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