A bit about film openings!

What is the purpose of a film opening?

A film opening is clearly very short in comparison to the actual film. Most film openings are around 2 minutes long. However, major blockbusters may be up to 5 minutes. The purpose of a film opening is to show action and begin the viewer’s interest so that they will immediately get hooked into the film. The opening says a lot about what the audience will watch for the rest of the film and it often sets the tone for the audience. 

Here's an example of a film opening in The Shinning (1980)

What are the conventions of a film opening?
(Using screen shots from the 'The Shinning')

Title of the Film - the title of the film is one of the important things that the audience will see in a film opening, as it establishes what they are watching.

Title Sequence - the title sequence is the method by which films present their title, key production and cast members.

 

Production Company Logos - they are the companies behind the film production and distribution. The production company logos are always shown in the beginning of the film opening, in order for them to become known. 

Setting/location - the setting and location may be introduced in the opening of the film. For example, by showing iconic landmarks/signs or a wide shot of an area. 

Characters - the key characters/protagonist, antagonist and sidekick may be introduced in the film opening. Usually the main characters are shown so that their importance is recognised.

Film Genre - when watching the film opening, it can communicate the genre of the film by using different elements such as editing, sound, mise en scene and camerawork.

Suspense - the film opening often leaves the audience asking questions about what will happen.

Music, Diegetic and non-diegetic sound combination - typically sets the tone and mood for the audience.

The Classic Film Opening

Here's an example of a classic film opening in 'Psycho' (1960)
(note - it has a very stylish, and quite long title sequence before the film actually starts!)

Begins with a wide shot the city scape...

...then a wide shot of the building...

...then a shot of the window...

...then going inside...

...and  finally the meeting of the characters.

This type of classic sequence tells us a lot about the film to follow: the location, the type of area in which the film is set, the key characters, what the key character does etc.