THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SINGLE OPENING SHOT OF A FILM

Film openings are undoubtedly one of the most crucial aspects of creating a film as they have the ability to convey the film's main ideas and character arcs.

REAR WINDOW (1954)

Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" opens with a shot of a large panelled window overlooking the back of a row of terrace houses. The shoot slowly zooms forward until the  frame lines up with the centre panels of the window and the audience have a closer view of the scene from the window sill. The placement of the camera directly correlates with the film's title and the audience are introduced to the setting of the film. Themes such as privacy are introduced through the apparent lack of concealment the tenants occupying the opposite building have, shown by their open and unobstructed windows. However this intrusion into their homes is presented as being mundane as the tenants continue with their daily lives. The abundance of windows dominates the shot and suggests that the film tackles the theme of secrecy, as windows are often symbolised as being an entrance into people's 'souls', but perhaps in the context of this film the 'soul' can be substituted for people's secrets. Having the point of interest through windows may intrigue the audience as to what lies behind the camera, in the room where the drama will take place, and this connotes the mysterious aspect of the film.

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2001)

Adapted from a novel, this film directed by Darren Aronofsky establishes its dark and harrowing tone from the beginning, as the film opens to a shot from the fictional infomercial television show ' Tabby Tibbon's Month of Fury'. The shot is dark and shadows cover the majority of the audience's faces making the scene almost look like a nightmare, as bright yellow capitalised lettering is animated on top.  The shot progresses as the host of the show is seen preaching the same line 'we have a winner' to the homogenous audience, which they shout back at him. Close up of faces and quick panning movements make the whole piece feel surreal and establishes the conceit of reality and whats not. Although this shot does not establish the film's plot or introduce any characters it suggests that the film's narrative surrounds people who have dreams to be a 'winner', subject to their own aspirations. The title itself has nuances of ' The American Dream' and by using the word 'requiem' hints that this fantasy is unachievable or a false idea that never was real.

JAWS (1975)

One of the most iconic film openings of the twentieth century, "Jaws" is able to set the tense and dangerous atmosphere of the film whilst harbouring the audience's interest, with a seemingly mundane tracking shot through the ocean floor.  Lasting twenty-seven seconds, the opening shot establishes the setting for the film's antagonist, and though it may seem uneventful it powerfully conveys the film's horror genre. The lighting is dark, emphasised by the sea-bed being murky, and already this restricted view will provoke curiosity and suspense in the audience. The camera repeatedly moves in and out of vegetation and this notion of 'what will be on the other side' is a classic convention of horror films; more commonly demonstrated by characters opening doors which may expose them to danger. Consequently, producers of the film will expect audiences to recognise this technique and respond appropriately (they will be scared). Significantly, the title of the film introduces the audience to the antagonist, the shark, which is suggested by the ocean setting and the implication of danger.