The Lion King - Study the opening scenes of the film and describe how the media techniques are used to prepare the viewer for the rest of the film.

The Lion King – Section A

Study the opening scenes of the film and describe how the media techniques are used to prepare the viewer for the rest of the film.

The introductory scenes in ‘The Lion King,’ show how modern techniques are used with devastating effect to pass on thoughts concerning the important parts of the film and the characters within. Camera angles, intricate scenes, special effects, lighting and music are articulately intermingled creating tremendous imaginary scenes of what is eventually going to occur throughout the rest of the film.

Tribal African music is introduced along with a typical Kenyan early morning sunrise. This denotes where the film is about to take place and shows creatures looking forward to the new dawn, an important day in their lives. The sun rises with a bright red ball of warmth which is some way in the distance, the animals slowly make their way through the early morning mist to their happy destination.

The film begins with an early morning daybreak scene, the sun slowly rises bringing light to the world. It is the dawn of a new day and a new beginning. The African chant music filters through the speakers introducing the sweet sounds of the jungle. As the music increases it is very noticeable that all of the animals gaze upwards toward the light. All types of animals, large and small, in abundance do this which signifies equality and peace to all. The animals are starting an important journey and the camera follows birds flying across a beautiful waterfall. This gives you the sensation of power as if you are actually flying with the creatures. The animals are travelling towards the sun and the camera zooms in on a large elephant with an assortment of birds resting on it’s tusks, this signifies friendship, trust and shows that they are all God’s creatures, all moving towards their final destination.

A camera focuses in on a giraffe family, mother and baby, they are looking out over the plains watching the congregation of numerous animals making their way to the big event. The song ‘Circle of Life,’ starts with the words “Arrival of the new born,” being sung. The urgency to arrive at their destination picks up tempo, the animals are now moving quickly, there is a great importance to move ahead.

The camera moves on quickly and then hovers over a large rock, which protrudes out from the cliff face with a lion standing on the top ...

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The camera moves on quickly and then hovers over a large rock, which protrudes out from the cliff face with a lion standing on the top over seeing his domain. The animals have finally reached their destination and the camera zooms in on a small blue bird who flies onto the rock, bows to the lion and offers his congratulations to the father of the new born king. This signifies the lion being king of the jungle, a god among animals, father of the new born king.

A wise, old, colourful baboon climbs up the cliff face and hugs the male lion, they are old friends and there is a sense of good-will. The lion walks across to it’s wife and embraces her, this is a proud moment for the family. Music entitled ‘Circle of Life,’ continues, a circle has no beginning, no end, it just goes on revolving, as life. This signifies the arrival of the newly born, the main character of the film. It shows the importance of this scene due to the abundance of every animal being there to witness the baby lion’s baptism. The cub is closed in his mothers arms, unaware of the importance and relevance of what is going to occur. The old baboon cracks open a fruit and places some red liquid on the cub’s forehead followed by the sprinkling of sand, which causes the baby cub to sneeze. This reminds us of a holy baptism. The baboon takes the lion cub to the edge of the cliff and raises him high above his head to show the mass gathering of animals, a celebration to show the arrival of the newly born king.

The animals below celebrate, they all rejoice and bow paying their tributes to the newly born lion cub. The scene shown from below the cliff face shows the importance of the lion cub to the crowd of animals. Louder more powerful music echoes through the screen, a camera shot of animals paying homage to the lion cub is shown. The animals all raise their heads as dark clouds are seen with penetrating rays of light which focus on the cub, symbolising the arrival of the major role within the film. The animals kneel down in worship while the proud parents look on, in similarity to the birth of Jesus in a manger. People came from miles around to worship the new king. The lion cub is obviously going to be of great importance throughout the rest of the film. This signifies the birth of the young pretender and shows how important the animals feel towards their new prince. Some time in the future he is about to take on the responsibility of the tribal leader and the dedication shown by his jungle colleagues to be there at the baptism show how important a ceremony this is.

The introductory scenery combined with scintillating camera production stirs up the imagination of the viewer producing an air of anticipation for the rest of the film. Emotions are stirred up because of the close relationship of the cartoon creatures and other respects of life and religion. It shows respect from the animals to their King and also brings together family mannerisms and relationships. Due to the preparation and introduction the viewer would be sat on the edge of their seat waiting in anticipation of what is to come. This short introduction relays to the public the importance throughout the animal kingdom of having a leader. It signifies the arrival of the newly born cub who is eventually going to take over the responsibility of king from his father. By introducing this scene so early it prepares the viewers with a glimpse of the future kings birth and the whole importance of this ceremony to the animal kingdom.

By Brendan Luke