Establishing location (busy scene): This contrasts to the protagonist, and emphasizes their importance in the story after being shown after a huge city, or busy scene. It also shows normality and contrasts to the outcast, who is out of the norm and does not quite fit in.
Voice-over: We often hear the voice of the character before you see the character, allowing the audience to judge the character on what they say and not what they look like. It also establishes a connection between the audience and the protagonist, as they empathize with that character, developing an emotional attachment and becoming more invested and intrigued with the film.
INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTERS:
Reflection: We are often met with the character's reflection before their actual selves, reflecting how they do not want to share their real selves first, and are insecure and unhappy.
Arc/Zoom: The arc movement connotes how the story revolves around them and draws the audiences attention to them so they become familiar with the protagonist. A zoom out from focus on the character to their surroundings shows how in a big space, the story is about this one character, emphasizing their importance.
Protagonist introduced first: This gives the impression that the story is their story and that the audience will follow them through it, being on their side the entire way.
SETTING UP PLOT:
Voice-over: As well as introducing the protagonist, the voice-over often sets up the plot and acts as a guide to indicate where the story will go. For example, the protagonist can mention a changing factor in their lives (e.g. In 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' the protagonist states that he is starting high school) and that introduces the start of the story.
PACE AND RHYTHM:
Editing: It is common for the city scenes and opening scenes to have fast-paced editing, connoting liveliness and what is the 'norm' which then leads on to create a contrast to the protagonist, where the editing becomes slow-paced and relaxed.
Camera: The camera also focuses on the protagonist, often staying on them throughout the voice over and never looking away or drawing attention away from them. As it is constant, the pace is slower.
MOOD AND TONE:
Non-diegetic music: It is common in the opening to have moderately upbeat music, connoting normality and setting the scene effectively. Sometimes the music appears daydreamy, like the character is in a world of their own, and hints at what it is like to be inside their minds.
Voice-over: The voice-over is often monotone, or has a slight unhappy, miserable tone to it, making it appear as if the characters are insecure and bored, and that leaves it open for the plot to unravel and for things to improve. They often talk quite slowly, showing how they are a bit shy and reserved.
Voice-over: The voice-over is often monotone, or has a slight unhappy, miserable tone to it, making it appear as if the characters are insecure and bored, and that leaves it open for the plot to unravel and for things to improve. They often talk quite slowly, showing how they are a bit shy and reserved.
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