Analysis of children’s film opening sequence- Shona Addison

Analysis of children’s film opening sequence

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

The opening scene to this film uses most conventions for an opening sequence. The media company which represent the film (Warner Brothers) is the first things that you see when the film begins, followed by the film menu, and in the background the picture of the main location throughout all the films.

The scene then dissolves into the first location for the film and does a pan view master shot to establish the spatial relationships between objects and to define the setting, and atmosphere. There is then a close-up in an object, and straightaway the audience is informed to what the genre will be- magical- because something magical happens from it. We then see a tracking shot of two characters talking and discussing the events happening and already mention the main characters name. There is then a low angle shot, looking up at a flying motorbike from which the main character is brought from, to show that he has a connection with the magical world, and it straightaway establishes the characters story, without giving away every single detail, making you want to find out more. The opening finishes with a zoom on the main characters most predominant feature, that which makes him unique, and will be the basis of the story- the lightening shaped scar. The main character is clearly identified; as his full name is said, and dramatic music enhances the importance of it.

All the while the soundtrack is playing dimly in the background, and whenever speech is not happening the music gets louder. There are no credits which run through the very beginning and are instead shown at the end, so not to take away focus from the scene, although it is conventional to put them in the beginning. The narrative is the dialogue and shot types which describe the setting. Since the film is a PG there is no narrator to explain everything, as the target audience should be able to understand it without commentary.

The colours in the scene are dark, representing night, but not scary to frighten children. Typical of this genre, we are introduced to a very friendly and caring looking character which is sure to be the parent figure of the film. Throughout the opening sequence it is clear which genre the film will be, and the general story behind the film, which will be developed over time. The PG rating is stuck to, and the film is surely one of the classic kids films now-a-days.

Shona Addison