Research: Looking at 'The Art of Getting By' opening

CREATION OF ENIGMA:
As with the other openings I looked at, the location was established before the characters were introduced, creating enigma as to who the characters will be, and what the story will be. The contrast again emphasizes the dramatic difference between the busy, city life and the outcast. Low angle shots show the difference between the one character among the massive city, and emphasizes how this character's story matters among the thousands of lives in the city.

INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTERS:
A voice-over introduces George, the protagonist, and he walks across the street, showing him as part of the big city, but not quite blending in. The voice-over consists of statistics which gives the impression that he is intelligent, but it all seems skeptical, which implies that he does not agree with school life and education, and that may be why he is an outcast, as he has to go to school but hates it. A tracking movement follows, drawing attention to him, establishing that he is important, and the audience automatically become interested in his story.

SETTING UP PLOT:
The skeptical mood of the voice-over implies that somewhere along the plot, his mind will be changed. There are several shots of a female character, anchoring what he is saying in the voice-over, which suggests that she may be the romantic interest in the story, or that she will be the one to change his mind. They are never shown in close proximity to one another, giving the impression that they are distant, and will become closer throughout the film. It could also connote how she is 'out-of-his-league' as she has friends, and is possibly popular, and he is lonely and outcast, but they will help each other somehow.

PACE AND RHYTHM:
Like the other openings, it starts with fast editing of something busy, in this case, the city. The pace slows as the voice-over begins and the protagonist is introduced, contrasting between the vibrant, busy, large city to this one character, alone. This creates emphasis on the character and the audience knows that he is important.

MOOD AND TONE:
The high-key lighting reflects positivity, but it contrasts to the black clothes of the protagonist, and the skeptical voice-over, but as it leads on to the girl, there is an opportunity for positivity and the mood lightens.