Sunday 28 October 2012

Analysing Film Openings - Friends With Benefits

Friends with Benefits - first two minutes

The film starts with the clever transition of the opening credit (production logo and name) linking with what the actor can see with a POV shot on his computer screen- graphic match, with the opening credit appearing on the computer screen. This shows the audience that the environment the actor is in is modern and full of technology as the computer screen is up to date and touch screen. There is an establishing shot to show the location, suggesting that this is an established, busy workplace, this shot is not held for a long time and quickly changes back to a mid-shot on to the main character, which suggests an eventful office, it also shows that this scene is fast paced and that the actor is rushing through ideas.

A mid-shot is used when Dylan is talking to his employees to clearly show his expressions but also what he is talking about, as it is important to see the image on the computer screen in order to make it humorous. When the phone rings there is a graphic match. When the man, Dylan, picks up the phone, it also cuts to Jamie saying hello on her mobile, automatically giving the impression that these two are talking to each other, which is not the case, leaving the audience in suspense wondering when they are going to meet.

During the phone call between the two, cross cutting is used to show Dylan and Jamie speaking, this allows the audience to see both of the people’s emotions, and also to show the contrast between the stillness of Jamie waiting outside the cinema with no one around and the rushing of Dylan running around, struggling, in the crowds of people. During the shots of Dylan a group shot is used to give an impression of how chaotic it is and to give the feel of a typical American city.

The scene cuts to Jamie outside the cinema; an establishing shot is used again to show the viewer where Jamie is and to show that the place is empty. As Jamie’s partner appears and calls her name a close up is used on Jamie’s face, it shows how happy she is to see her partner. A two shot is used to show the intimacy between the pair, showing the audience that they are in a relationship. A two shot is also used with Dylan and his partner, although it is used not to show intimacy, it is used to show the tension between the pair, them being together but not being happy about it.

As both conversations between both pairs are taking place shot reverse shots are used. This not only conforms to filming conventions, but lets the audience show both the characters' reactions and expressions.

 
This is the opening credit showing the production company name and logo.

 
This is an establishing shot of the office- it shows the location to the viewer and shows that this is a busy work environment.


 
These pictures are a graphic match, they are both on the phone and their conversations link- this add a suspense to the viewer as you wonder if they are talking to each other

 
This is a close up of Jamie its shows her expressions and emphasises her reaction to seeing her partner.


 

Here are two shots to show intimacy between Jamie and her partner and how they are in a relationship, and the tension between Dylan and his partner and how she is annoyed with him for turning up late.

 
These are shot / reverse shots to make the scene look realistic and allow the viewer to see both characters’ reactions and expressions.

Use of Sound
The non- diegetic music used in the opening credits is a contemporary ‘pop’ tune. This suggests a modern era and shows that the characters followed in the film are young. As the main character, Dylan, begins to speak the non-diegetic music fades but does not disappear, this helps set the tempo of the opening scene, the fast beat gives the viewer a sense that Dylan is in a rush and panicking.
Diegetic sound is used throughout the scene, when the phone rings and when Dylan spills his coffee, this adds to the authenticity of the piece making it more realistic as without the sounds the piece would be silent. When Dylan and Jamie are on the phone there is a clear use of sound perspective. The audience can only hear the synchronous sound of cars when the shot is on Jamie speaking on the phone, when Dylan is in the shot speaking we only hear the background sound that was used in the scene before the phone call, showing that these characters are in completely different locations. Dialogue is used throughout the scene with both characters speaking when they are on the phone and when both partners are together it helps the viewer get a sense of the story and what could happen later on, it also add to the humour of the piece adding in funny lines from the characters. During these conversations between the pair there is a subtle use of synchronous sound, helping with the overall feel of the scene. It helps the viewer recognise that the street both the couples are standing on are busy, with car noises, sound of peoples footsteps and muffled voices.

Overall

This was a good way to help the audience to get to know the two key characters and link them together in their minds. We will be using a similar paralleling technique to contrast the main female characters in our opening sequence.

No comments:

Post a Comment