Analysis of an opening scene

Opening scene of "Django Unchained"

Right from the start of the of the opening credits there is an idea of where the film is set from an establishing shot of an American desert. And who it is directed by (Quentin Tarantino) so the audience has some idea of what the film genre it will be - typical Tarantino film will involve violence, profanity and will be made for people over the age of 18.

The frame stays the same for 30 seconds before moving. In the those 30seconds names of start actors are shown. The fact that the cast of the film is very good would appeal to the public and the fans of those actors. The credits are in red which signifies blood and violence.

The camera then pans round to show a row of black men limping, topless with scares on their backs unable to see their faces, giving the audience an idea of when the film was set and what it was about - in 1800's America during the slave trade. Then the title of the film is presented joined with a climax of the theme song in the background. When the word "unchained" appears on the screen, it is accompanied by a sound affect of whip, Which will grab the attention of the audience and gives them the idea that the film they are about to watch involves violence.



We are now able to see the facial expressions of the characters in the frame and their anguish. The camera focus on one individual who we can assume is the protagonist - Django

Between 1:24-1:27 at another climax of the song, the camera zooms out very quickly - in time with the music. It shows the audience what environment the characters in and the hard conditions they had to walk in. Also as another credit comes up a whipping noise in the background is repeated, which could signify that it is a character of importance and the character they are playing is violent.

After a few more establishing shots, It is set at night, still with the characters limping. The lighting is very low key and contrasting. The characters are walking away from what little light there is, which could signify them walking away from any hope they have/had.

The opening credits and theme song finish in this frame. It is shows the slaves in the middle with white people on horses to the front and back of them. This could signify that the fact that they are higher up above the ground shows they have more authority and power.





Analyzing  this will help me analyise at future sequences and help me edit my own opening sequnce when it comes to it.