Comparing the Opening Sequence of Clueless and Pleasantville

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Comparing the Opening Sequence of Clueless and Pleasantville Opening sequences are very important, as the filmmaker needs to attract the attention of the audience in the first few minutes. This is done in many ways – using plot development, characters, tension building and suspense. Camera angles, sound, lighting and dialogue all help to create the atmosphere that the filmmaker wants. Both ‘Clueless’ and ‘Pleasantville’ have a teenage aspect to them. ‘Clueless’ just seems like a typical American youth film – it has themes of fashion and image, growing up and maturing, and the stock, stereotypical characters you would expect to find in American high schools. ‘Pleasantville’ also appears to be an American youth film, but it also has an aspect of fantasy, because being transported in to the Pleasantville television world is abnormal and unnatural, and can only be classed as fantasy. However, it would still appeal to people who like ‘teen movies’, because it shows how the characters of David and Jennifer change over the course of the film. Both films have three essential sections to them to class them as youth films – the introduction, followed by conflict and finally the resolution of the conflict. Obviously people who like watching these types of films would be interested in watching them before seeing the opening sequences. I think that ‘Clueless’ would attract a wider audience because of the more obvious teen theme. ‘Pleasantville’ may not attract such a wide audience, even though it can appeal to audiences who like two genres – teen youth and fantasy because the title does not instantly appeal to people who like teenage fi... ... middle of paper ... ...at with ‘Pleasantville’ because it has an obvious, serious message. ‘Clueless’ was definitely more light-hearted and kept the lively pace going more, so I preferred it because of this. You feel more involved in ‘Clueless’ too, because she talks in the voiceover to the audience and it is personal, but in ‘Pleasantville’ the audience feels much more like a spectator. I still did enjoy ‘Pleasantville’ though – it was still funny and was also unpredictable, but was not as successful at attracting my attention as ‘Clueless’ even though I do like fantasy films. Mrs. Jordan’s comments: a very well written piece, which despite its length, is a pleasure to read because of its fluent style. Demonstrates highly skilful analysis and interpretation of the way filmmakers work. Makes apt and sometimes original comparisons.

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