The opening scenes of a film opening are crucial as they generally determine what the rest of the film will be like, in terms of genre and it is in the opening scene where the film is working it's hardest!
To be a successful film opening the film has to make sure that it hooks the audience so therefore we want to watch more. This is the main priority of a film opening. If the audience are not excited pleased in the first few minutes, then they are not likely to bother to carry on watching the film.
A film opening also has to introduce the genre, whether it is horror, romance or comedy, the audience should be able to determine what genre they are viewing.
The film opening must introduce the theme and tone;this could compliment the genre. For example, a horror is not going to have a light hearted theme or tone; this would confuse the audience and the theme/tone would certainly not match the genre or film.
The audience must gain an understanding of the plot line. The plot definitely should be introduced because if not the audience won't become hooked as there is no twist or plot to be hooked on to.
Finally, the opening should establish the time, place, setting, main characters and atmosphere. Again if the audience could become confused if in the opening the time and place kept changing. It is the time, place and setting which help the audience understand the plot and the concept of the film.
So... a film opening works by hooking the audience into wanting more and to do this, a film opening uses all of the above to ensure that it does.
