Film Opening Research #2 -Jaws (1975)

 

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

-There was the name of the movie company, then the producers, after that the name of the movie and finally the main characters.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

-You are put underwater so you know that the “Jaws” are going to be from a creature in the water, and the name of the movie is large and bold indicating that this isn’t going to be a fun creature.

What connotations do the images carry? .

-They carry intense vibes, you get the feeling that “jaws” is going to do harm and insight terror onto people.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

-The music has to be the biggest code and symbol, it sounds terrorizing and intense, mimicking the creatures persona that will be had throughout the film. Also the large lettering and how they are showing the some people playfully getting in the water, but because of the opening clip you get this feeling that something bad will happen and as it turns out the girls disappears into the water so quickly, being pulled by “jaws”.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

-Like I said before, they create suspense through the words and music so before anything happens you are already in the knowing that the creature doesn’t do good.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

-Right off the bat there is music that gives you the feeling of adventure, you are going to find out what this creature is and what his story is, and youll get to see his effect of everyone throughout the film. You have the strong lettering that shows intensity and you are shown people running so there is high energy and lots going on which is going to capture an audience that loves adventure.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

-Since this is an older film there wasn’t as much advanced technology, but you get a POV of “jaws” moving through the water and then you get a close up shot of two characters who will be meeting Jaws soon. You are then given an action shot of the character running in the night towards the water. You also get a shot looking up towards the girl swimming, you can only assume that that is where jaws is. In the last clip you are giving a close up the girl in the water and then she gets snatched deep into the water.