Analyse the opening sequence of Pleasenantville from the credits to the scene in which David & Jennifer are transported into the world of a 1950's sitcom

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Analyse the opening sequence of Pleasenantville from the credits to the scene in which David & Jennifer are transported into the world of a 1950’s sitcom

The opening sequence starts as a montage of shots (representing various channels) with extreme close-ups rapid editing and a cacophony of sound and dialogue. The overall picture quality is poor and the sound is of fragmented speech, giving an unpleasant effect. As the channels are being flicked through, you begin to be able to see a clearer view; but it is still quite rapid editing.

 The words Pleasantville appear in white on a black background, as we come to settle on a 50s sitcom channel. The pace of editing slows and gives you a comforting feeling; in contrast to the bombardment of colour, the black and white picture quality is better. A picture of the ‘nuclear’ family appears, and the fact that there are old cars, clothes, and the black and white picture tells us we are dealing with a different era altogether. An important voice-over tells us that there is going to be a Pleasantville marathon.

We are then presented with images of Pleasantville in the form of photographs in an album. It is idealised; it appeals to people’s nostalgic longing for those times. A man comes into the house from work and calls, ‘Honey, I’m home’, showing again the fact that it’s a different era (where the women stay at home and the men go to work). ‘Flash back to a kinder gentler time’ gives it a happy feel that makes people want to watch.

‘Once upon a time’ appears in white on a black background in romantic style font; it gives a feel of fantasy; like a fairy tale.

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The scene changes to the setting of a school playground. It’s a noisy filled playground and quite different to the last scene, especially the fact that it is in colour. Individuality emerges, and it gives a grungy feeling.

The editing in this scene is clever, the camera focuses on David in mid-shot (showing him from the waist up), and shows him having a conversation with a girl. David seems to be shy, and is trying to ask her out. We see the girl responding and laughing at his slip-ups. The camera then shows a long full shot and ...

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