A Comparison of the Techniques Used in the Opening Sequence of Two Films

A Comparison of the Techniques Used in the Opening Sequence of Two Films

The two films I have chosen to compare are the Lord of the Rings, the

Two Towers and Just Married. The Lord of the Rings was made in 2002,

directed by Peter Jackson, and it is fantasy/action film. I have

chosen these films as they are two of my favourite and I thought it

would be interesting to compare two films that are so contrasting.

The opening titles have a swelling theme tune running over them,

building in strength and power. The font of the opening credits is

written to create the effect of engravings on a tombstone, and it also

resembles elfish writing. It is written in grey on a black background

and has the effect of dark shadows passing over the letter. There is a

full orchestral score, which builds up to a crescendo followed by a

sustained note on horns and strings. The title of the film then

appears this also has an engraved effect and has a three dimensional

appearance. The title is in gold to represent the ring, the lighting

comes from the side of the screen and throws shadows across the title.

The 'O' in the word "Lord" appears later than the rest of the letters

to resemble the ring; this increases and intensifies the impact on the

viewer.

The first frame opens with a Long Shot. We are shown snow-capped

mountains and a sunrise with the sun shining on the snow, which

establishes where the action will take place. The first movement the

camera makes is a crane shot looking from above down onto the

mountains, showing the beauty of the mountains but also prepares the

viewer for the unforgiving territory which the harsh action will take

place in....

... middle of paper ...

...al light from glass walls,

windows and roofs. There are a lot of quick camera changes from one

character to another and although we can see the airport is still very

busy our focus is on the characters who have all the action.

In conclusion although the two films were very different, one being an

action/fantasy and the other a chick flick romantic comedy, the way

the camera and lighting were used in some shots were very similar.

Both directors obviously work in very different ways and have

different styles but the techniques used to create their effects were

the same. The scales of the films were on such a different level and

so contrasting, one was ore inspiring with a sense of fear and danger

all the way through whilst the other was comfortingly realistic,

although anger was shown it was easy to watch and ordinary.