Analysis of A Film Opening (Dramatic Romance)

The opening scene is a wide arc over a large body of water at sunset. The sunset suggests a new start which prepares the audience for the movie. The large amount of water could suggest the type of character the male lead is. By showing that there is no land to be seen, it implies that the male lead, who is the character the scene focusses in on, is emotionally distant. This is supported as men that aren't emotionally accessible are a convention of dramatic romances. The scene is also accompanied by uplifting music. This may be to show the hope that is present in many romances.


A high angle shot is used to introduce the male lead. While high-angle shots are primarily used to show a lack of power, here it emphasises the male lead and the traits that make him "special". By showing him perching high over the water, as well as the prominence of his helmet, implies that he isn't scared although it is dangerous work. It also shows he is strong and physically fit - a stereotypical hero.




This shot is used soon after. The hero's choice to be alone and read while the other people on the ship are cheering and having fun again emphasises the hero's loneliness and sensitivity; which are more stereotypical characteristics, in preparation of the female lead's entrance. Again, the use of natural lighting in the form of the sunset adds verisimilitude to the scene.

From a mid-shot of the male lead, the scene changes to a mid-shot of the female lead. This is to show how similar they are to the audience. The main colours in the shots are also similar; they are both primary colours. In the hero's shot, the shot primarily includes red light which may be to imply danger. On the other hand, the warmth of the shot may be to present the hero as friendly and good.

In contrast, the female lead's shot includes a bright blue swimming pool. The blue may be to suggest she is cold and emotionally distant, parallel to what the very first shot suggested about the male lead. Another piece of evidence to support this theory is that while the male lead if facing the audience, the female lead is not which suggests she is closed off. Alternatively, the clear blue colour may be to imply that the woman is bright, powerful and modern.

When the female lead is revealed, she is quickly joined by her son who greets her as "Hey mum". This instantly reveals a big part of her life whereas the hero will still be viewed as mysterious by the audience. This fits in with the stereotypical hero of a romance film where the plot usually is about the woman trying to fix or help the man in some way.

The concept of "destiny" has been repeated several times, just in the opening scene. This follows the conventions of romances in which "fate" and "meant-to-be" are often used to show an exaggerated or fairytale-like love story. A tilt shot is used to transition from the heroine to the sky and then to the hero.

Straight after the heroine mentions destiny, the scene switches to the hero who is now in a dangerous scenario. This is shown through the use of handheld camera and fast-paced editing. Focus pull is used to show the actor's expression as he realizes the danger and then to the barrels in the background to show the audience that the barrels have something to do with the danger. The use of the focus pull as well as the handheld camera work together to show the sudden change in atmosphere as the ship's occupants become scared and chaotic.