The preferred reading of this film is that it concerns warfare and involves combat which is established by the militaristic opening whereby we are only introduced to soldiers, with the exception of Stark, and heavy, armed vehicles. Instantly we are made to believe that the movie is going to include an array or antagonists and protagonists from the fact we infer the movie to be an action/ adventure movie where all associated movies include such characters.
The use of crane shots and camera editing techniques such as panning and tracking help to engage the audience and create the effect that the viewer is involved, and watching the scene at the same time.
The use of crane shots and camera editing techniques such as panning and tracking help to engage the audience and create the effect that the viewer is involved, and watching the scene at the same time.
Location
We are initially introduced to the scene via an establishing shot. In this shot, which you can see to the right, a mountainous terrain is captured, along with arid land suggesting that the country in which the scene opens in is quite warm (in fact when there's a low angle long shot of an army vehicle approaching the camera and text appears stating the location as Afghanistan the camera blurs to an extent to resemble the heat radiating the air). The fact that the scene is set in Afghanistan reinforces the reading that the movie is associated with war and combat when there's knowledge of the war and conflict happening at this moment in time in the same location. Within the distance of the shot is several army vehicles of which are tracked as the camera pans lefts to brings the viewer's attention to the activity far below.
In this shot we are given a small view as to the inside of one of the military vehicles. In the center of the long shot is radio from which heavy music plays. The radio is fairly modern establishing that the scene is taking place in modern day. The vehicle is dark and from this shot we can make out 3 soldiers sat within the vehicle.
We are initially introduced to the scene via an establishing shot. In this shot, which you can see to the right, a mountainous terrain is captured, along with arid land suggesting that the country in which the scene opens in is quite warm (in fact when there's a low angle long shot of an army vehicle approaching the camera and text appears stating the location as Afghanistan the camera blurs to an extent to resemble the heat radiating the air). The fact that the scene is set in Afghanistan reinforces the reading that the movie is associated with war and combat when there's knowledge of the war and conflict happening at this moment in time in the same location. Within the distance of the shot is several army vehicles of which are tracked as the camera pans lefts to brings the viewer's attention to the activity far below.In this shot we are given a small view as to the inside of one of the military vehicles. In the center of the long shot is radio from which heavy music plays. The radio is fairly modern establishing that the scene is taking place in modern day. The vehicle is dark and from this shot we can make out 3 soldiers sat within the vehicle.Sound
The scene begins with the soft diegetic sound of the wind blowing. As soon as the shot changes, non-diegetic music kicks in, loud and almost commanding. The music is powerful and stimulates the viewers attention. Behind the music we can also hear the diegetic sound of the vehicles' contact with the ground. When the shot changes to focus the scene inside one of the army vehicles, the non-diegetic music changes to become diegetic as we establish that the music resides from the radio inside the vehicle. Along with this we hear the rattle of the vehicle bumping as it is driven across the track, implying that the road on which the soldiers are travelling is bumpy. Furthermore, the diegetic sound of ice in a glass is heard drawing the viewer's attention to whomever holds the glass. Just as Stark begins conversation with the soldiers the music gets quieter, but only to allow ease in hearing the speech. Towards the end, the music gets slightly louder to signify something is about to happen and that's when we hear the diegetic sound of the explosion.
Mood/atmosphere
The high key lighting in this scene may have been provided by sunlight but there is a likelihood that some of the light may have been faked to make the film appear to have been shot in daylight, specifically whilst the characters are in the vehicle. However in terms of the use of filters i cannot seem to identify such an inclusion in the opening scene. The use of the natural lighting establishes a relaxing atmosphere.
In terms of the music, it is clear that the roaring blur of the background non-diegetic music creates a different, more exciting atmosphere that builds enjoyment. As the music builds, right at the last minute we get a sense of tension and suddenly the music stops and the diegetic sound of an explosion is heard, altering the atmosphere to a much more shocked and anxious one.
Titles
The information given in the opening scene includes the Marvel ident, an instantly recognizable symbol, along with some credits giving information on productions to have helped create the film. What's more, white, fairly informal yet modern typography fades into a shot of an army vehicle stating the location where the film is set (where this plays, so does heavy non diegetic music in the background). Whilst many film openings show the title at the start of the film, Iron Man doesn't. Within the opening scene of which i have looked at there is no title. Fortunately, i came across another clip from Iron Man following on from the exact point where the scene i have analysed ends. For nearly 2 minutes extra, the scene progresses and at the very end the title is abruptly given. The style of the text appears informal with the font also having been written using capital locks. The text itself is gold and metallic but variant in showing light and dark tones to impose the idea that the title is based upon the metal suit of Iron Man. At the same time the title appears, a sharp non-diegetic sound is made resembling the sound of metal contacting metal.Below is a link to the video where the title appears at the end:
Special Effects
This film opening is unique to any of the others i have currently analysed because there has been no special effects directly involved, such as ones which even low budget movies could not afford to replicate. Specifically in this opening scene, right at the end, we are introduced to one form of special effect, pyrotechnics, established with the explosion. The use of such creates greater realism in the film and establishes the reading for an action/adventure film where the use of special effects such as pyrotechnics are expected to be implemented into a film.
No comments:
Post a Comment