What makes a good film opening? Discuss using film language with reference to 'Romeo + Juliet' (1997) and Bend it like Beckham' (2002)

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What makes a good film opening?

Discuss using film language with reference to 'Romeo + Juliet' (1997) and Bend it like Beckham' (2002)

By Rahila Sumnani 10W

It is very important that a film has a good opening. As these first few minutes of a movie establishes the first impression and causes the viewers to carry on watching. So, what makes a good opening? The main aim of the opening is to grab the audience's attention (make them want to watch more). The opening should tell us the genre of the film, the setting or location, and it may tell us one of the storylines of the movie to keep the viewers watching and to give the audience a taster of the narrative. The opening should include many different techniques, from catchy music to fast paced editing. The most important element to a good opening is the element of suspense and mystery. An opening that makes the audience ask questions is a good opening. Film language plays a key role in giving a film a good opening. So, the use of Genre, Intertexuality, Lighting, Colour, Sound, Mise-en-Scene, Camera angles & shots and the Editing style & pace, can all make a good opening. If the use of these film languages in the opening grabs the audience's attention and makes the audience ask questions, the film is then known to have a good opening.

In this essay I will be discussing the film openings of 'Romeo +Juliet' (1997) and 'Bend it like Beckham' (2002). I will be comparing the two film openings and deciding if they are good openings using film language and what affect this has on the audience. I will also be seeing which film has the better opening in my opinion.

In the opening of, both 'Romeo + Juliet' and 'Bend it like Beckham' we are shown the genres of the two films. The film language used in the two films reflects its genre. Different styles and techniques of film languages are used in these two films, as the genre of both movies are different. The film language in the opening of 'Romeo + Juliet' reflects that the film has a number of genres such as, romance, tragedy and action. Many people have heard of the story of Romeo and Juliet; however the suspense is still present, as the director has kept the main characters hidden in the opening. The opening starts with a news reader to gain the audiences attention and trust. This film opening also establishes the setting, which is Verona. The emphasis of action is shown through the violence and action symbols such as guns, explosions, cars and city setting. We can also see the romance genre clearly when we see the words 'star cross'd lovers' appear on screen. You can also tell that this film has a tragic element by the operatic music and the violence involved. A religious aspect is also sensed in this movie by the statues of Jesus and crosses. Whereas, the film language used in 'Bend it like Beckham' can be seen as an opposite to 'Romeo + Juliet' as it tells us that the film is a comedy. By viewing the opening of 'Bend it like Beckham' we can see that the movie is based around a girl named 'Jess Bhamra' and her ambitious interest in football, however we can also see that these interests clash with her Indian culture and family life. At first you think you are watching a football match, which is purposely shown to mislead the audience into confusion. It is a surprise when an Asian girl is revealed to be playing in the match, this shows the comedy clearly. After this in the interview Jess's mother appears, as a stereotypical Indian lady, wearing an Indian suit, speaking bits of her language and disapproving of her daughter's football career. This created extreme laughter and comedy.
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The director (Gurinder Chadha) had decided to put some intertexuality into 'Bend it like Beckham'. The sports media has been linked to this movie. For example, a well-known sports idol, David Beckham has been appointed as the centre of attention in this film. Also by starting the film with a football match, again links the film to the sports media. The interview that follows the match, with well-known commentators and Jess's mum, is also another form of media text being used. A newspaper article shown with a picture of Jess and David is another example of intertexuality. Intertexuality ...

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