Analysis of An Opening Sequence

Analysing The Opening Sequence of Monsters Inc

The opening of the popular 2001 film, Monsters Inc is mainly the title sequence and none of the film itself. However you can still get a lot from the simple set up of the sequence. The viewer knows that it is a mystery comedy because of the music and the image of a closed door, tells you that something is being hidden making it a mystery.

From the opening sequence not much shown yet it still tells the audience quite a bit about the narrative. The coloured doors give the film a mysterious element and some show monsters coming of them which shows that this film will be about monsters and they may be the main characters. The cheery, happy music also says that this film will be a light-hearted happy one and not too dark, the

bright colours represent this also.

The characters will almost definitely be monsters, as they appear in all of the title sequence, so there will be a main theme of monsters in the film. As this is a children’s film there will be children in it so they can relate to the characters more easily. A childlike scream in the opening sequence is a clue to back up this thought.

Fun is just one of the words that would be used to describe the atmosphere of this film. I derived this from the bright colours used in the clip and the upbeat music played throughout. The atmosphere was also comic, light hearted even though it involved monsters, and happy.

The only special effects present in this clip are animation of the doors, monsters and words. They move fluently across the frame and the movements they made went perfectly with the music, making the clip flow very well.

Most of the sound in this clip was jazz music, which was played throughout. It had a light hearted tune to it giving the clip a very cheery and jolly feel. The other sounds were one child screaming and a roar of a monster, these added and variation to the sound within the clip.

Linear editing was used in the opening sequence of monsters inc. and the words shown were in order and each one followed another in chronological order. Continuity editing was also present and made the clip flow brilliantly and made it easy and enjoyable to watch.

As this clip only showed the opening titles it consisted of just one frame all the way through so there was little camera movement until the end where there was a tracking forward shot. Again this added to simplicity of the clip and made it easy to watch, which is good for children as it would hold their attention for longer.

If I was to freeze one frame of this opening sequence, it would be called the mise-en-scene and within this I would se multicoloured doors, words and a cartoon monster. These would be very simple images with bright colour that stand out to the viewer and capture their attention. See below:

All in all just from the opening sequence of Monsters Inc the audience can gain many clues about the narrative of the film. This shows that a complex opening sequence is not needed to inform the audience, the more simple it is the more it will catch the audiences attention and get them guessing on what the film will be about and this is just what this clip does as well as being fun, enjoyable and interesting.

Analysis of an openig sequence

Analysing the Opening Sequence of The Nightmare Before Christmas

Although this film is a children’s film, from the opening sequence you get the impression that it is a horror film. But it would only seem scary to young children and would not particularly follow the known rules of a typical horror film.

From this opening sequence you get quite a good feel for the narrative right from the beginning of the clip which starts with narration introducing the narrative to the audience. You can see that it will be a scary film yet with light-hearted elements, there are lots of characters involved in the film. They all belong to a town and from the opening it is easy to tell that the film will be set here and based on the characters in the town. From the song played throughout the opening sequence the film is definitely Halloween themed, you can also see this from the characters shown.

This takes me straight onto the characters themselves. All of the characters in the film are introduced one by one or in small groups right the way through the sequence, alongside the music. Nearer the end of the sequence the main character is clearly highlighted as ‘Jack’ The Pumpkin King. All of the characters are from Halloween such as witches and ghosts and are quite scary but they are all smiling which gives the film a happier more light hearted feeling making it appeal more to the target audience of children.

The atmosphere of the opening sequence is very creepy; the mise-en-scene contributes to this greatly as does the music and appearance of the characters. However the music does have a happier undertone which lightens the atmosphere slightly from its darker origin. The atmosphere does appear very mysterious and strange even with the happier tones.

The only special effects used are, the CGI which is very effective and of a very good quality and the dialogue which matches up to the movements of the characters mouth excellently. As you can see from the picture below the characters and their surroundings are very detailed and the quality of them is high.

Happy upbeat music is the main sound in this clip, it is made up of a melody and singing from the characters in the sequence. This music contrasts to the scene as one is upbeat and happy whereas the other is creepy and dark. At the very beginning of the clip before the singing starts there is narration to introduce the narrative to the audience. There are few sound effects on this sequence there are only ones within the scene for example, pages of a book turning and doors closing.

The continuity editing within the sequence is immensely smooth and is easy for the audience to follow, which is good as the audience will mainly consist of children. There is also linear editing present which makes it clear to the viewer and the sequence is then in chronological order making it easier to understand. The only other apparent piece of editing is the one fade in aclip near to the beginning.

The shots that the camerawork consists of are:

• An establishing shot which tracks downwards spiralling


• A pan


• Tracking forwards which is the majority of the clip with a few winding parts to it


• An extreme close up


• A 4 shot and many other multiple character shots of a similar fashion


• Medium shot


• Long shot


• Tracking side wards to the right

Most of these shots are very short and quick and just an introduction of one or a group of characters so they have to more on to the next one immediately.

If I was to freeze the second from last frame it would be called the mise-en scene which is everything within that frame. So this frame consisted of all of the characters introduced previously the town itself including all of the buildings, fire torches and a pond.

Overall I think this opening sequence gives the audience many clues to the narrative and it is a very good introduction to the film. However I do think that the main theme of the film is too scary for the younger children that would be viewing it. But again this is balanced out with the happy upbeat characters.

Our Childrens Film Opening Sequence...continued...

We have almost finished our childrens film opening sequence now, os we have decided on most apsects. The title of our film is 'Finding Halloween' and has three main characters: a pumpkin man, a witch and a robot. The film is based on these three charcters going on a mission to find halloween after it was lost many years a go and the children were very upset.

The opening sequecne consits of the three main charcters being drawn on a piece of paper by a boy then thrown into a path. thw charcters themm come to life from the page and the titles roll on pieces of paper which are screwed up and then unscrew.

We feel that this film will appeal to chidlren as it follows the three charcters on an adventure and the majority of popular childrens film follow this theme. As this story is set in the autumn and with halloween charaters it will be released at halloween.

We have yet to edit our sequence,by cutting the parts we do not need and adding music and some effetcs.

Find Nemo Analysis

Analysing The Opening Scene Of Finding Nemo

I have chosen the opening clip of the children’s film ‘Finding Nemo’ to analyse. This film is completely animated and uses CGI (computer generated imagery) extensively. It was very popular with younger children because of its enticing storyline.

I looked very carefully at the camerawork during the 2:04 minutes opening of this film and it introduces the setting with an establishing shot that takes the form of a pan of the surrounding area, which in this case was a coral reef. Surprisingly there were many shots in this short scene with just two characters in it. One of the most commonly used one was a two shot of the two clown fish having various conversations. The clip also included other shots such as: long shots, mid long shots, point of view shots and also an over the shoulder shot which was very effective as it showed the point of view of that particular character so the audience could see what they were seeing. I didn’t think that it would be used in an animated film. The clip ends very suddenly with a abrupt blackout.

The sound in this particular clip adds to creating a calming atmosphere as the music is very mellow and peaceful. It creates an ambience that you would expect under the sea, in a coral reef. I think the instruments in the piece include a flute and a piano. Accompanying the music are sea sounds such as bubble and watery sound effects, these help the viewer to see that this film is based under the sea. There seem to be different sound effects for every movement that the character makes. The body and mouth movements in this clip are very synchronous which makes it se much better quality. Most of the sound in this clip is diegetic apart from the music which is non-diegetic. About a quarter of the way through the clip there is a sudden silence in the music creating tension. This is when the whole mood of the clip changes and the music begins to play again but it is eerie and unnerving music which causes the viewer to expect something bad to happen, which does so this shows that it generates the right effect. In this part a shark enters and as it attacks, the music changes yet again to a very dramatic piece and the sound effects are very sharp to coincide with the vicious movements of the shark. This piece ends very dramatically and as it does the music and sounds slowly fades out.

The editing in this film clip is linear meaning it is very straightforward and easy for the viewer to understand, chronological order. Linear editing is very important in a children’s film because they need to be able to understand it, to be able to enjoy it. The cuts are very good from shot to shot as you hardly notice they are happening. The film has continuity editing which is extremely smooth making the clip easy and enjoyable to watch.

The only obvious special effect in this clip is CGI which stands for Computer Generated Imagery which is the animation so this is used throughout the whole film. This particular CGI is of high quality therefore makes the film better in the eyes of the viewer.

Mise – en – scene is everything in the frame, when analysed it is of a still image so this makes it quite difficult to analyse the mise -en- scene in a film clip. I was to freeze the opening image of the clip in the scene would be part of the coral reef under the sea, and the two clown fish.

This film clip is a very good opening as it introduces the setting and the main plot of the storyline. The variation in it is excellent and the fact that it has such a dramatic change. The music used in incredibly appropriate and the synchronisation is also of a high quality. I like this clip very much and think that the film would definitely appeal to children of all ages.

Research- Review - Elf

Analysing The Opening Sequence of ‘Elf’

I have chosen the Children’s film ‘Elf’ to analyse as part of my research. This film uses actors and some CGI and animation alongside them. The genre of ‘Elf’ is adventure with a hint of mystery, which makes it very appealing to children as they are able to follow a story and make guesses to what will happen within the narrative. From an audience’s point of view, the opening sequence introduces a large amount of the narrative and it provides us with information. This is that the storyline will include elves and another main character (not an elf) that will join the narrative very soon. The way that the narrative has been introduced is very effective as it engages the audience immediately, especially children because it is filmed in a storytelling fashion. This is created by the character ‘Papa Elf’ who is the narrator.

Only one of the main characters is introduced in the opening sequence and this is ‘Papa Elf’ who narrates all of the opening sequence. He is filmed sitting in a chair as if he is about to tell a story, this makes him seem a friendly character and this will make children feel comfortable right from the beginning of the film. The other characters that are introduced in the opening sequence are the elf workers who are shown making shoes, baking cookies and making Christmas presents. They all are very jolly and happy, with smiling faces, again creating a comfortable atmosphere for the viewers.

Jolly, happy, light hearted and cheerful, these are the words I would use to describe the atmosphere created by the opening sequence of ‘Elf’. From the very first shot you can tell that the film is going to be a happy one. The atmosphere is mainly created by the music as it uses bells, with a jolly tune. The target audience for this film is children and the atmosphere created would fit into this target very well.

The first scene opens with a dissolve from the title screen to an animated book which will be opened to reveal the story of the film. Continuity editing is definitely used in the first seven to eight shots of the opening sequence and it is very smooth, with sharp, clean cuts. As a viewer it would be difficult to recognise the transitions from shot to shot and they are so quick and well edited. Most of the sequence uses linear editing up until the point where chronology of the clip changes and goes back in time to when the elves are introduced doing their different jobs. This is when non-linear editing is used, however the order of events are still vey clear to the viewer because of the storytelling aspect, which makes it more understandable.

The sound plays a major part in this sequence, as it sets the atmosphere, gives clues towards the narrative, and helps to set the scene. Most of the sound is non-diegetic in the form of music which plays throughout most of this sequence. It is very cheery, with carol singers, bells and a light hearted feel to it; this connotates that the film is set at Christmas. The other sounds heard are all diegetic; laughing elves, toys being made and people talking.

There are many special effects used at the beginning of the opening sequence and these include

• CGI


• Floating snowflakes moving across the shot in the title screen


• The book in the first shot which opens to reveal ‘Papa Elf’ sitting inside the frame of one of the pictures, this then transits from animation to an actor.


• Elves appearing smaller than objects/people around them, e.g. Elves running out from a burning tree trunk.

These special effects contribute so much to the quality of the whole film and make it more enjoyable and much more appealing to the viewer, particularly children.

The establishing shot of the opening sequence is a shot similar to a track forward shot, but as it is animated it is as if the camera is zooming in onto the book and through the pages to the very first scene. This then cuts to a long shot of ‘Papa Elf’ the first character of the scene, who is narrating. The narration continues as the shot changes to a mid shot of him. The scene then changes completely with a 5 shot of elves and this quickly transfers to a long shot. A high angled shot is then used to pan down onto the working elves. It then cuts to a track shot that moves forward along the table to a smooth holt at the end. The transition between the panning and the track shot is incredibly smooth and is barely noticeable from the audience’s perspective. The next shot is a slightly higher angles backwards track shot away from the elves and then table and then it cuts to a completely different scene, where a simple pan is used. All of these shots are extremely complex yet effortless making the sequence flow. The sequence ends with the same mid shot of Papa Elf used at the beginning. By ending the sequence with the same shot it started with, makes the introduction seem very concise and clear to viewer so they now know, what they need to know to be able to understand the film.

If I was to freeze a certain section of the opening sequence, I would be analysing the Mise-en-scene (everything within that frame). I decided to look at one of the busiest frames in the clip (shown below) as there are so many things happening in it.

As you can see there are many actors within this frame, most of them being extras, like the ones pushing the wheelbarrows on either side. They are all elves and dressed in appropriate costume for this role which also makes them stand out from the colour of the scenery in the background. This focuses the viewers’ attention on them rather than their surroundings. This frame is set in the workhouse and you can tell because of the long table in the centre and the stacked boxes to the upper left of the frame. The elves are working on making presents and from their body language you can see that they are hard at work but enjoying it. This frame is positioned from a high angle.

The opening sequence to the film ‘Elf’ is an excellent one as it clearly introduces the narrative and sets the scene for the film. The way in which so many shots have been included in such a short space of time has been very cleverly edited which creates a fast pace and makes the clip flow very well. The music used connnotates christmas and this sets the atmosphere for the film excellently. I believe that from the clip I have analysed, this film would appeal to all children and seems to be a typical children’s film with a happy beginning, a troublesome middle and then a happy ending which most children love.

Chlidens Film Information

What is a childrens film?
A childrens film is simply a film amied at children. Children are the target audience and there is no effort to appeal to broader audiences. The age range for children in anyone under 12 years of age. These films must have appropriate themes and valuse, one to appeal to the younger aduience and two, to be suitable for this younger audience.

Define a PG Certificate (film Content)
A PG certificate is a film that is suitbale for children of any age that are accopmpanied by a parent. However the film may contain scenes that could be considrered unsuitable. Parents are advised to consider the conent before taking their child to the film. PG stands for Parental Guidance.


Define a U certificate (film Content)
A U Certificate is a film that is suitable for anyone of any age. However there is a restriction on the age children, they must be 4 years plus. Violence is acceptable in these films but it must be counterbalanced by a reassuring response. U stands for Universal.


Who are the BBFC?
BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification. This is a non-governmental, non funding organisation which had been classifiying films show in cinemas for nearly 100 years and also videos from 1984. The BBFC was originally known as the British Board of Film sensors and its aim was to ' bring a degree of uniformity to the classification of film nationally.' (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/index.php)