The title sequence I plan on studying is Sweeney Todd.
In this sequence we are introduced to the idea of meat pies being sinister. The first shot is of a city panning into Mr Todd's window, which then zooms into the meat pie machine in his barbershop. The camera follows a trail of blood from the pie maker through the shop. The music in the background is atmospheric, creating a dark and ominous mood.
This opening sequence appealed to me because Sweeney Todd is one of my favourite movies. I have always enjoyed Tim Burton's slightly cooky style, and I think this is one of the best films he's done. The opening sequence does a really good job of setting up the directing style he is known for.
Burton's style tends to be quit artificial. Rather than using realistic looking blood, he uses a strange clearly fake looking liquid. This is done in the first scene when the blood goes through the pie machine. It is much lighter than real blood. Because the camera angle tracks the blood, it allows us to see the scene from the perspective of Sweeney's victims while they are becoming pies.
Great start to your first post. Remember to explain how this opening scene fits into the movie as a whole and also include a link to a video of the opening scene. Next, think about how the director has used film techniques to create a mood and fit within a genre. Look at the O Tamaiti exemplar for ideas on how to discuss this and also re-watch your opening over and over again! Cute avatar, now that I can tell that it is not a giant alien head or brains! :)
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