Tim Burtons methods of film openings

Tim Burton- His early film career was fueled by almost unbelievable good luck, but it's his talent and originality that have kept him at the top of the Hollywood tree. Tim Burton began drawing at an early age, going on to attend the California Institute of the Arts with other famous media names such as John Lasseter the founder of Pixar and director to many of their films. Tim Burton was  awarded an apprentership from Disney, for whom he went on to work. He is known for his gothic, gory and original films. He has a unquie way of begining his films with openings that just feed the auidence parts of an enigma code but still leaving them clueless.



This is Tim Burton's 'Sweeney Todd' realised during 2007. As you can see it is very gothic a favoured styled choice of the director. He uses a very confusing enigma code to keep the audience engaged during the usually boring opening sequence. You know the over the top exaggeration of blood connotes that many deaths will appear throughout the film. Also you see a trapdoor open leading to a machine that moshes meat leading the viewer to presume the victims of  murder get grinded up. The next part of the clip shows some pies being cooked leading the viewer to conclude the victims get baked and eaten being the ingredient of the delicious looking pie. Notice the very dramatic non-diegetic use of music, another favoured choice from the director as it builds up a tense atmosphere. Tim Burton also always informs the audience of the location through every animated opening he's done, though not easily noticed this is set in the historical period of 18th century connoted by the old town at the start of the opening and the old sewage system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62TEljaPzo0
(sorry this video could not be embeded)
This is Tim Burton's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' realised during 2005. The music is creepy and gothic but with a childish feel that makes the factory seem scary; almost creating a children’s horror. Though the title itself tells the viewer about the narrative of the film Tim uses an enigma code that shows this chocolate factory is special, shown through visual elements. The dark gloomy background creates an atmosphere of mystery. Like Sweeney Todd with his over the top use of blood this film uses an over the top use of chocolate manufacturing. At first the chocolate seems to be manufactured in the normal manner. However, things start getting more crazy as it flips around, shoots in the air and even floats on a Para shoot from the sky. The music suddenly calms as you see five 'Golden Tickets' places on five separate bars. This enigma code feeds the audience more information about the narrative yet you still don’t know how these tickets are related to the film. However in smaller writing under the text 'Golden Ticket' you see 'FEB 1    10.AM (SHARP)   FRONT GATES' and above the text 'WONKA' written in signature font. This tells the audience that these are invites from the presumed owner of the chocolate factory; his name being Wonka. The gold also connotes these are obviously very important and high value invites. You then see the chocolate bars stashed in boxes and stickers of their locations are placed on the boxes outside. Do these stickers tell us the film is based in 'London', 'New York', 'Cairo' and 'Tokyo'? or are these stickers not location of the film but instead a well fed enigma code that shows Mr Wonkas bars are sold all over the world? The clip ends with Wonka's vans leaving the factory. This opening sets the story up that there are hidden tickets in the world for a very important price. Once again Tim Burton tells the audience a lot about the narrative of the film but in such a subtle way they don’t actual realise.

Tim Burton favours dark, gothic type visual elements of animation. And creepy dramatic music. Most of his films start in these animated ways giving him extra respect and uniqueness around the film industry world.

Casino Royale (2006) Trailer and Opening comparison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl5WHj0bZ2Q - Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfc9GLxlhEw - Opening

Key -Trailer

         -Opening

Genre

The trailer clearly shows the film to be that of an action movie shown by all the action sequences within the trailer possibly with the sub genre of love shown with ‘Bond’ compassion for the woman. The opening suggests that the genre is action shown by all the animated fighting and shoot outs.

Narrative

The trailer is an open narrative telling us the whole plot of the film but still hiding the ending. Firstly it tells us that it is James Bond's first mission highlighted by dialogue. It tells us how the antagonist is a villain by revealing he finances terrorist organisations. It also tells us that ‘Bond’ has been hired by the US government to play in a poker match and to win causing the villain to lose all his money. It then goes on to reveal that his girl also gets kidnapped by the villain. All this information is given through the enigma code hiding the ending of the film but revealing the rest; it shows all this by using many fade to blacks showing time passing. The narrative is much more obviously open than in the trailer, it still uses the enigma code however but in a less obvious way. All you can be certain of is that the film is based around gambling suggested by the playing cards in the background and spades, clubs, diamonds and hearts in a card deck being shot out a gun into people. The gun itself connotes violence as does the fight scenes. Notice how little is given away with the enigma code compared to the trailer.

Theme

The trailer clearly shows there is a theme of death shown by many violent images on screen and also dialogue once again. It also suggests that there may be love shown by the hugging the girl in the shower obviously comforting her. And finally gambling seems to play a key theme in the film epecially poker, this is also suggested by the title as well as the dialogue speaking of it and also the clips of gambolling. This is the same as the narrative and for the same reasons. The opening does not suggest the theme of love like the trailer does but instead only gambling and violence (but not necessary death as you are not certain if you see anyone die or just get wounded).

 Sound

Sound seems to be the biggest tell tale signs of the plot. Many dialogue sections use both diegetic and non-diegetic quotes that are key to telling the audience the plot. Such as ‘does it bother you killing those people?’ ‘If it did I wouldn’t be very good at my job’ this shows us there is death. When images of the woman trapped in water appear you hear non - diegetic dialogue of ‘you took everything from me’ suggesting that there is a girl involved and love. The whole way through the clip you hear the iconic ‘James Bond’ music letting the viewer know straight away what movie this is. The traditional ‘James Bond’ song is not present for the opening but instead replaced with a rock type song with lyrics ‘if you take a life do you know what you give’ suggesting that a life may be taken but once again not proving that it is incorporated in the film. Also it is asking a question and sounds like it is asking it to someone who has never taken a life what fits with this being ‘Bond’ first ever mission and therefore death.

Character

The trailer shows us there is at least three main characters and tells us about each one. ‘James Bond’ is clearly the protagonist shown by him working for the government as well as trying to stop the antagonist. He is obviously very brave, strong and confident all shown by the furious action sequences, his ways around the ladies and the poker game. He is also very arogant shown with the dialogue line from the female ‘sidekick’ ‘I will be keeping an eye on the governments money and you perfectly formed ass.’ ‘So you noticed’ this section also shows the audience she is attracted to him. She is also seen to be the damsel in distress as it is ‘Bond’ who comforts her in the shower scene and also has to save her. Finally, there is an obvious antagonist with scars on his face. The scars allow the man to stand out and easily by notified as the villain. He wears black in all scenes and dialogue allows you to know he works with terrorists. The opening only suggests one main character. A man who is seen in a black suit and a white shirt fighting many plain coloured figures. This suggests that this man is the main character. At the end of the clip the animated man steps closer to the camera revealing the real life face of ‘Daniel Craig’ letting the audience know he is the star of the film and telling them that he will be in fights when outnumbered.

Atmosphere  

The trailer makes the whole film just seem link one big rollercoaster ride of shoot outs, car chases and violence. The atmosphere can only be described as an adrenaline junkies playground. The opening has a tension building atmosphere made by the animation fight sequences, music and the waiting to see real people in the film and to find out what the plot is; a great way to keep your audience intrigued with the film.

Setting

The setting doesn’t seem to be in any focused place. However the trailer suggests that the film is based around several hot countries shown by golden beaches, light blue oceans and summer clothing. It also tells the audience that a casino is definitely involved. The animation is set in front of plain coloured backgrounds. However the deck of cards and the fact cards symbols are shot from guns suggests gambling is involved with the film leading the audience to believe a casino is the main if not only setting of the film.

Title

The title is in bold capitals saying ‘CASINO ROYALE’ then the ‘o’ from each word form together as the other words vanish making a ‘00’ followed by a ‘7’ creating the iconic and easily recognisable name of ‘007’. The title ‘CASINO ROYALE’ fades away quickly this time and does not look as glamorous as the trailer. It also doesn’t turn into ‘007’ like in the trailer. This could be due to the fact that because you’re already watching it you don’t need to know the title as you should be aware of it, or may due to the fact they want to start the film as swiftly as possible not making the audience become bored. My guess would be the first one due to the fact your already watching therefore you attention or no convincing needs to take place.

The main point I hope these notes gave off is that trailers and openings are very different. Trailers tell the whole or most of the film's story and let you know exactly what’s in it. They try to catch your attention and make you a potential consumer. Openings however just give you hints or clues to the audience what is expected from the film.

Old and Black comedy openings

Life of Brian (1979)

The first thing I noticed was the painted clouds and sun in the sky. When ‘Monty Python's’ name appears floating on a cloud, it is apparent this is an old movie due to the animation. However, like today it still shows that this is going to be a fun, humourous film shown by the name flashing multiple colours. Then in bold capital letters, the title appears ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ each word placed under the last floating word into the sky. Then the ‘B’ from ‘Brian’ falls out of place knocking a man off a cloud and he descends to earth. This connotes that possible themes of the film may be linked to religion and heaven as a man falling from the heavens is assumed to be holy. The names of the cast and crew subtly appear such as being carved into stone; this allows the viewer not to be distracted from the action on screen allowing the opening more time to create the desired atmosphere intended.

The statues on screen link with ancient Greek culture or ancient Roman culture showing the setting of the film is in ancient Greece or Rome. There are many enigma code signals that suggest the genre is comedy. For example, the man falling of the cloud at the beginning of the opening to the woman getting burnt by the sun as she floated at the end are both comical connoting this film is a comedy. The music suggests the film is about a man called Brian; the title suggests this also.

Brian, the babe they called Brian,
he grew, he grew, and grew,
grew up to be, grew up to be,
a boy called Brian. A boy called Brian,
he had arms, and legs, and hands, and feet,
the boy, whose name was Brian.

And he grew, he grew, grew, and grew,
grew up to be, yes, he grew up to be,
yes, his name was Brian, a teenager called Brian.

And his face became spotty, yes, his face became spotty,
and his voice dropped down low,
and things started to grow, on young Brian and so,
he was certainly no, no girl named Brian,
not a girl named Brian.

And he started to shave, and have one of the wrist,
and want to see girls, and go out and get pissed,
a man called Brian, this man called Brian,
the man they called Brian, this man called
Briaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

Notice the lyrics are comical also connoting this is a comedy film. However, all this does for the narrative using an enigma code is tell the audience Brian is now a fully grown man and this is where the story begins.

This type of opening is similar to a lot of films made roughly 30 years ago, including those of different genres. ‘Greece’ (1978) uses the same type of comical animation for its film opening and also gives little information about the characters or narrative of the film. This shows how history has changed the methods of film openings.

Juno (2007)
http://www.watchthetitles.com/articles/0069-Juno
(sorry i couldn't embed this clip)

After remaking this film opening shown on our group blog I can see how it isn’t a conventional comedy opening but instead that of a black comedy opening. The difference between these two genre types of comedies as an overall is that black comedy involves things that you wouldn't normally laugh, such as how Juno deals with her pregnancy. The way they're different for openings is that the Juno opening isn’t funny and it doesn’t try to be. It sets the atmosphere up to be mature which makes the humor in the film all that more inappropriate and funny.

The title alone introduces you to the main characters name. However, during all but one short section of the opening Juno is in the frame and is seen alone. This enigma code feeds the audience information that Juno is not popular but instead a loner in life. The whole setting of the opening is in an urban suburb environment denoting obviously to the audience that the film is located in a suburban area. The music is soothing and not the traditional music chosen for comedy films; this also separates black comedy from normal comedy genres.

Juno is still skinny during the opening so it isn’t apparent yet that she is pregnant. This makes it seem like the theme and narrative of the film is about teenage life and troubles. The reason I conclude troubles is because Juno is seen as a loner through a visual enigma code. Like most modern day comedy films, is not the only things in the frame instead of having its own shot like ‘Life of Brain’ has and in other old comedy films. The way the names appear also isn’t as subtle as Life of Brian this is so they're bolder and noticed by the audience but not so over the top that the audience gets distracted from Juno on screen. 

'My best friend wedding' (1997) Opening Title Sequence

This is a total contrast of ‘Catch me if you can’ but it still achieves the same goal of giving the viewer a taster of the film's storyline. The genre is a romantic girls film, obvious by nearly every aspect of the sequence. The narrative could be argued to be open or closed. The lines like ‘you will be his’ suggests that the film may be a closed narrative showing both the start (being the wedding or engagement) and end (finally being his). This is called conventional narrative, however is it much more likely something may go wrong suggested by the enigma code making the opening an open narrative. The enigma code suggests something may go wrong by the lyrics from the song ‘Kiss him and squeeze him…..wishin' and hopin'….show him you care.’ These lines also suggest to the viewer that the film is about love and men showing that this is definitely a romantic film if it wasn’t apparent enough by the title. The three friends in the back at all times also suggests that it’s a about friendship. The fact that bride catches her own bouquet also suggests that something may go wrong.

It is apparent who the main character is as she is always centre of the frame in a wedding dress as the other friends are just in bridesmaids outfits. The audience can presume there is also a groom in this film. The atmosphere is very feminine and also happy and cheerful and feels like its set in the 1950-60’s due to the style of the dress and song. The themes are apparent from not just the song, but also what you visualise. The themes are love obvious by the dress and cuddly dances, as well as the lyrics; men are also  obvious by the song lyrics and friendship is apparent by the friends in the background. Also, the opening is set in a pink studio which is almost mocking the movie, showing it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Finally, the titles are written in a wedding invitation style font almost asking the audience to join them in an adventure.

The Watchmen (2009) Opening Title Sequence

The Watchmen (2009) is about a group of superheroes, all do not have super powers but still fight crime. The opening stands out as being great. The first snippet of this opening shows  a man grabbing a crook who has a gun, connoting straight away this is an action film. Many of the clips are odd, out of place suggesting possibly hybrid genre of thriller or mystery. Also there could be a sub genre of sci-fi connoted by the blue glowing man shaking the president’s hand. The narrative is open and the titles clearly suggest things are changing for the heroes shown by not just visual elements but also the lyrics from the song ‘the times are now changing’. The clips however feed the audience hints for the films themes from an enigma code. War is definitely included in the film apparent from all the scenes of war and the effects back home. Poverty, corruption and protest could be argued from the small ginger boy looking afraid or the hippies who place a flower in a gun barrel of the National Guard to be shot upon. The Buddhist who set himself on fire in protest during the Vietnam War or the president being shot, all these suggest poverty, corruption and protest. The fact all these famous historical events happened on separate years makes it hard to pin point when this film is set. However, the ending seems to be relatively modern suggesting that the film is set in the present.       

Most the clips are set in urban environments also suggesting that this film is set in the cites, also all the clips from true historical events are American showing the film is set within America. The music catches you of guard at first as you don’t expect chillwave music (also called 'Texas music') to be with an action film opening. However, once you start acknowledging the lyrics ‘the times are now changing’ suggests things are changing from perfect shown by smiles at the start of the clip. The happy music juxtapositions the titles towards the end not with its lyrics but with its calm relaxing atmosphere as the images progressively become more violent. The names of the crew and cast come up in big bold yellow font in a comic book type way (superheroes being related to comic books) within each snippet catching the viewer’s eye but not distracting him from the important images on screen.

'Catch Me if You Can' (2002) Opening Title Sequence

‘Catch me if you can’ has a great opening to a film; it’s fresh, interesting and sets the audience up for the movie. The opening gives the audience tonnes of information about the film (in actually fact it tells the whole story) but the animation helps keeps this information clouded letting the audience question what they have just witnessed.

The opening suggests that this film has hybrid genres consisting of thriller and mystery. This is shown through enigma code what tells us there is a chase by the constant running and chasing in the cartoon and also by the title.  This chase adds tension to the audience making it a thriller. The disguises worn by ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ lets you question the motive of wearing disguises showing that it is a mystery, also the chase itself and the titles let you question what is ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ running from? However you've never seen ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ escape or get captured leaving the narrative open.

The reason I know it's ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ is because arrows point at the cartoon characters when the actors name comes up implying this cartoon character represents them. ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ character is always seen to be one step ahead of ‘Tom Hanks’ what suggests he is just that much smarter and also that he is the one being chased. He often wears different outfits/disguises implying that he is a confident impressionist and also that he is the one hiding from ‘Tom Hanks’ who wears only one outfit.  That fact ‘Tom Hanks’ is usually only a second behind ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ last position also suggests that ‘Tom Hanks’ is always so close but never quite good enough.

The music seems to be 1960’s and is fast pace most of the sequence. It is retro and upbeat. The music fits the animation brilliantly adding the atmospheric feel of suspense and fast pace. The music also has sneaky sections to it much softer than the rest of the piece this helps show the theme of sneakiness alongside the sneaky animated ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’. This sequence also suggests other themes such as imitating shown by all the disguises; brains/smarts shown by the clever imitating and ‘Leonardo Dicaprio’ always being one step ahead and possibly wealth shown by the big mansion with woman beside an orange swimming pool. The mansion is one suggested setting of the film shown through this sequence. It also suggests that there is a hospital and airport. Also it suggests the film is based in America shown by the national identifiable yellow taxi.

The importance of film openings

Laurent Kelly says that the importance of film openings "is to establish a tone so that the audience fall into the same mood as the film they are watching. It doesn’t have to be a big budget explosive opening in order to grab the audience’s attention."

Another annonymous source says "A good opening title sequence sets the tone of a film and serves to establish rhythm and pacing. Yes, yes, it’s never good to judge a book by its cover, but who can resist the urge?"

Both these sources make it clear what we must set out to achive for our opening. We must 'establish a tone', however, if we fail to do this our film won't be watched as the film is judged by its opening.