Film Opening Research #1 - Movie Title

Opening to Star Wars:  A New Hope

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

The famous title sequence of Star Wars includes the name of the movie and the background of where the story begins.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The images prioritized were the spacey background and the text that flew over it. 

What connotations do the images carry? 

The viewer sees the spacey backdrop behind the text which signifies the setting is in space. Along with this and the triumphant music, it gives the connotation of adventure and fantasy. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

Genre is reinforced by the beginning battle and sense of urgency from the soldiers on the ship. This is where we get introduced to our main characters. Leia gives R2D2 the message that contains the blueprints to the Death Star which sets the genre of adventure into motion. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 

The film establishes an enigma from the outset by creating anticipation and a sense of being chased along with R2D2 and C3PO by the Empire for the Death Star blueprints. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Assuming that the target audience for Star Wars were sci-fi fans, the use of spaceships, CGI, aliens, and laser guns all were captivating and essential for this genre and type of movie-goer. 

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. 

The use of the vertical-panning angle to position the audience to view the CGI spaceship was an instance where technology was used effectively. Furthermore, the addition of music and the giant text on the screen had the effective ability to captivate the audience.