Although we had used a wide range of resources to research the opening sequences of films, we decided that we needed to focus more closely on the specialised features used and to do this, we studied the opening sequence of the film 'Juno', one of Jason Reitman films. From watching this clip, we then had to see how the different features found in an opening sequence helped to establish the character, narrative and genre.
As soon as the sequence starts, we are given this clear image of the character 'Juno' from the mise en scene used. From looking at this part of the sequence, we are able to see that she is wearing your basic casual clothing, such as jeans, hoodie, trainers etc and it connotes this message to the audience that the character of Juno is a typical teenager, who perhaps feels most comfortable in these clothes. However at this point, we believe Juno to be in a state of 'be wilderness' as the way she is waking and her body language suggests she doesn't feel comfortable with this journey she is taking as we first thought. Below shows an image of this part of the opening sequence where we first establish the character of Juno.
After this above shot, the opening sequence changes from a 'real life' sequence into an 'animation' sequence, with Juno being portrayed as different to the backgrounds of the sequence. This effect connotes a message across to the audience that this is how Juno is feeling right now and the 'animation' effect is how she portrays her surroundings at this point. From this, we also believe that she is being shown different to the background as she is feeling isolated and vulnerable on this journey she is taking. It helps the audience establish more about her as a character and at this point, we as the audience feel sorry for her as she comes across as this confused, vulnerable and isolated girl who wants to be able to fit into her surroundings, yet is failing to do so. Below shows the change of sequence from a 'real life' sequence to an 'animation' sequence.
This part of this sequence with her journey helps us to establish the genre of this film. This idea of her being a confused, vulnerable and isolated girl comes as a contrast to the surroundings she is in. This journey she is taking suggests it is one where she is travelling from a child to an adult, but the surroundings consist mainly of an adult world. Perhaps this is what Juno wants to forget with it being faded out. Perhaps she is having to grow up too quick than planned and she would rather keep her childhood. Every once in a while, items related to teenagers appear in the background such as an acoustic guitar and a retro TV, both reinforcing the teenager's interests and also reminding the audience of her complicated journey. As well as this, the music used contains lyrics of love related words and this connotes to us that perhaps she is in search of love on her journey too. When the lyrics 'If i was a tree growing tall and green...be my leaves' is used, it shows how two objects so similar have to go together and this message is then portrayed across to how Juno is feeling. It helps set up the character of Juno as both innocent and pensive.
Another way we get to see how Juno is feeling is when we as the audience are positioned over Juno on her journey. As we are looking down at Juno, she looks up at us and at the same time, leaves begin to fall above her head. The way Juno looks up at the camera suggests again this vulnerability and insecurity of her and the way the leaves are falling, mimics this idea of her life falling away and this can be related back to this journey of hers and how the audience believe her to be growing up too quick.
The images below show how we as the audience are following Juno's journey.
The image below shows how the high positioning of the camera and falling of leaves connotes this message of Juno feeling vulnerable and insecure and how the leaves are reflecting her life falling away.
When the audience are introduced to the title animations, this idea of Juno having to grow up quickly is portrayed in these titles. They have this funky, colourful image to them and their appearance seems to reflect the art work of a child. This again relates back to establishing the character and genre of the opening sequence.
The music used in this opening sequence comes across as quite a happy and upbeat piece of music and suggests that the rest of the film will be a sweet, funny/sad one with an indie spirit. The ironic thing is the creator of the piece is Barry Louis Polisar and he used to be a kids' balladeer. This again seems to help establish the character of Juno, her feelings and the genre.
Below is the piece of music used in this opening sequence.
The image below shows Juno returning back to the real world and this to the audience seems to reflect her state of mind, that being she has to return back to the real world to continue with her journey. From this sequence we also establish the narrative. As the audience aren't actually aware of Juno's journey, it opens up to there being many questions wanting to be asked. This is where we establish that perhaps the narrative will be about finding out why and how she is on this journey.
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