Opening sequence presentation

In this presentation, I explored how meaning and effect is communicated in the opening sequence of Little Miss Sunshine. In order to do this I analysed the use of camera (including angle, movement and composition), mise-en-scene, sound and editing throughout the opening sequence.

Film poster (mise-en-scene analysis)

How does the mise-en-scene and camera angle/composition within the poster for “The Talented Mr Ripley” communicate concepts and connotations to the audience?



The poster for the film “The Talented Mr Ripley incorporates elements of mise-en-scene as well as camera to create an image of a sinister character who could possibly be in control of, and at least directly relevant to the other characters throughout the film.

Firstly, the poster makes use of both camera angle and composition in order to communicate key concepts to the audience. The use of camera composition helps to reveal which characters play the most importance in the film, as well as pointing towards likely power dynamics between them. By placing one of the men in the foreground, the poster indicates to the audience that this character is of great importance to the film, and so is likely the protagonist. The other two characters in the background are perhaps of less importance due to their placement behind the character at the front. Furthermore, the editor has used composition to make the male and female characters to the right of the poster appear smaller, adding to the impression that the man at the front possesses a form of power, possibly over the other characters present in the poster. The close-up angle suggests that the audience will experience an intimate connection with the characters in the poster, and gain a close insight into their thoughts and feelings. This will apply particularly to the man in the foreground of the poster due to the connotations of importance that his positioning suggests.

Many elements of mise-en-scene also play a role in hinting at the plotline, thus encouraging both men and women to watch the film. Firstly, juxtaposing levels of lighting are used on the different characters in the poster. The couple who can be seen at the back of the poster are completely submerged by the glowing light. In contrast, the man in the foreground of the poster is only half-submerged by the golden light. Light often has connotations of truth and goodness as well as angelic associations. Therefore, by juxtaposing these different levels of lighting, the poster could possibly be implying that the character at the front is a figure of deception. Meanwhile, one can assume that the characters at the back are honest and good-natured, depicted almost as angels. Therefore, the theme of honesty and disguise could likely be a key part of the storyline. Meanwhile, the couple at the back, a and woman, are pictured in an embrace with joyful expressions on their faces. The image of one’s head rested on the shoulder of another person has connotations of security and comfort. Perhaps they are blissfully unaware of the cruel intentions of the man at the front, who we can assume is the protagonist.

Mise-en-scene is also used in order to communicate a likely setting for the movie. Although the over-exposed lighting makes it hard for us to see, if we look closely, cathedrals, an architectural feature that is characteristic of an Italian setting can be seen at the back of the poster towards the right. We can therefore infer that the majority of the film may be set in a major Italian setting, such as Venice. In addition, the placement of birds on the poster further indicate that the setting of the play might be in a city setting like Venice.

Due to the representation of both genders on the poster, I believe that the film is attempting to market itself to a wide audience. However, mise-en-scene is used in order to convey other areas of representation. For example, costume is used in order to convey status. Both men in the poster are dressed in suits, a dress that has connotations of high-class and professionalism. Therefore, it is justifiable for the audience to make the assumption that class and wealth is an important theme in the film.

It can be argued that it is difficult for the audience to tell what genre the film is just from looking at the poster. For example, if the man in the foreground was removed, leaving just the smiling couple at the back, we might assume that the film is a romantic comedy. However, by adding the man in the foreground who has a serious expression on his face, the audience is left to wonder how these characters relate to one another, and therefore also question what the genre of the film might be. Although the genre of the film suggested by the poster is quite ambiguous, the top of the poster reads: “How far would you go to become someone else.” This statement sets a very sinister and mysterious tone as we wonder which character will be taking on a new identity and what the reasons for this are. Moreover, the phrase “how far” has a particularly intriguing effect as the audience are prompted to watch the film to discover the extents that the character or characters will go to in order to take on this new identity. By adding this statement, the audience can deduce that the genre may be a thriller or associated with crime in some way. This is a genre enjoyed by people of all genders and backgrounds. Therefore, the poster is successful in marketing the film as something that can be enjoyed by all.

How is tension created within an opening sequence?

In this presentation, Meadow and I chose an opening scene from the Hurtwood House youtube channel to analyse. We analysed the effect of camera angle and composition, as well as mise-en-scene.

Favourite film review

La La Land is a film released in 2016. Set in Los Angeles, it tells the story of an aspiring actress and a pianist that fall in love. However, ultimately they come to realise that in order to follow one another’s dreams, they must go their separate ways. Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone as ‘Mia’ and Ryan Gosling as ‘Sebastian’, La La Land was awarded a total of six Oscars, including “Best achievement in cinematography”. 

One aspect of the film that makes it so special to me is the soundtrack written by Justin Hurwitz. I can remember how I was immediately enchanted by the opening number: “Another Day of Sun”, in which a traffic jam break into song and dance on top of their cars. For me, a particular highlight of the soundtrack is Emma Stone’s solo entitled “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)”. Up until this moment, Mia has been struggling to achieve her dreams in the Hollywood scene; however, in this scene she sings completely from the heart and is able to capture the interest of the directors for a film, changing the course of her future, just as she was about to give up on her dreams of becoming an actress. Watching the film for the first time in a cinema with an incredible sound system certainly enhanced the experience. 

The cinematography also plays a major role in why I enjoyed La La Land so much. Throughout the film, the screen is filled with an array of bright colours, making it a magical experience from the moment that the film begins. The use of such vivid colours makes it almost a surreal experience for the audience to watch. Through this, I was able to transform my mind into the headspace of a Los Angeles dreamer and forget about reality for a couple of hours. One of the most spectacular scenes is the tap-dancing scene, “A Lovely Night”. In this scene, Mia and Sebastian dance against the backdrop of an atmospheric purple sunset and it is truly a spectacle to behold. Infact, the director of photography, Linus Sangdren, has stated that there was a period of exactly thirty minutes within two days in which they could film this scene in order to achieve the desired dusky purple.

Above all, what makes this film my favourite film is the epilogue. The epilogue is a ballet, lasting a total of seven minutes and envisions the future that Mia and Sebastian could have had together if they had given up on their careers. Initially, I found it heartbreaking to watch Mia and Sebastian’s relationship come to an end. However, after some thought I was able to see that this bittersweet ending is necessary. Without it, Mia and Sebastian are unable to achieve their full potential in their careers. Through this, the film provokes the audience to question the sacrifices they make in their own lives in order to achieve their dreams, offering up an important message.