ARTICLE
The 10 Best Opening Scenes' In Movies
By Shafiyqah / 24 Aug 2021 (Tuesday)
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“Opening scenes" refers to the beginning sequence that writers and directors use to hook their audience. The first scene is the most valuable real estate a film has to offer. Why? Starting with a BANG is undoubtedly the most obvious approach to entice the audience. It may or may not have anything to do with the plot. Directors employ a variety of ways to fascinate the audience, depending on their vision. The villain's entrance, the hero's entrance, how they wish to develop relationships, building up the narrative trigger, some directly employ the film's genre, while the others flip its genre 360 degrees are all examples of this modus operandi. It also follows through with the use of character introduction, character dynamics, cold openers, and genre norms.
Unequivocally, there are films with the best opening scenes that made the audience sit through the whole length of the film.
Ladies and gentleman, I present you the best opening scenes of all time:
*P/S: Films are placed in no particular order*
1) The Dark knight (2008)
Although the opening scene isn't quite a bang, we do get a spectacular action sequence and a memorable introduction to the villain, "The Joker."
2) Skyfall (2012)
Skyfall's director and writers begin the film by focusing on the hero, James Bond, also known as 007. It begins with a ten-minute pursuit action, a white-knuckle sequence that catches you off guard. Until James Bond is killed. Except , we know Bond isn't dead. M then tells Bond about his role in the film. This opener establishes the stakes, introduces the characters, and maintains the plot line while ensuring that the viewer is on board. “Take the bloody shot,” is a line that we'll all remember from watching this.
3) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
The action weaves a web of deception and brutality that snares the audience, just as the characters do. ‘You want power? You got it.’
4) Marriage Story (2019)
Writer, director Noah Baumbabch breaks down the opening sequence of the film.
With its home video style, the opening sequence allows the viewer to naturally tell us a lot about the characters. We are immediately aware of these individuals because we are aware of their concerns. We essentially receive a crash course on their family and how their relationship is a catastrophe. If we didn't see the hyperfocus introduction, we would have been lacking and their demise would be less tragic.
5) Get out (2017)
Horror, comedy, and social commentary are all used in this film. The first scene sets the tone for the film's hybrid genre. Andre lightens the mood by making jokes about the situation. The assault is then reinstated into the thriller. The soundtrack then comes to the top of the mix. Given the setting, a song from the 1940s with fairly ominous lyrics. The ideal foundation for a story that straddles genres prepares us for the complicated and multi-layered message provided by the blend of comedy and horror.
6) The Greatest Showman (2017)
In the beginning it switched back and forth between the titles and the man.The opening sequence sort of illustrated that this man that we’re looking at is one way or another in charge and is the main protagonist.The Mise en scene of the photos generate these semiotics of the character. Following the man was then the showcase of the exorbitant characters that establishes the purpose of the film.
7) Uncut Gems (2019)
It begins with an Ethiopian excavation scene. The film centres around the Gem's enigmatic effects. We must comprehend its allure as well as the hope it represents. And, eventually, the bloodshed that ensues. How one man's gain is the loss of another. The foundation created in these early moments has an impact on how we see these treasures. The characters and the influence they have.
8) La La Land (2017)
Instead of focusing on the plot, it concentrates on the tone. The lyrics, as well as the crowd's power. The thrill of it all, as well as the flamboyant clothes. Then we're thrust back into the reality of Los Angeles, followed by the film's two key characters. The contrast between truth and fancy that we would anticipate from a musical is developed. Consistently striking a single note.
9) Saturday Nigth Fever (1977)
On 86th Street at Bay 20th Street in Bensonhurst, Manero struts down the street in the opening scene. It entails what the majority of people would like to do. It's simple, but sort of an iconic movement to do. This sequence foreshadows what the main character and plot will be about. ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by Bees Gees was used as the background music to arouse all the glitzy and that's exactly what this scene did.
10) Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Without a doubt, one of the best opening sequences ever. Bohemian Rhapsody is a film that depicts the story of the renowned vocalist Freddie Mercury. The sequence of the main protagonist clipping his moustache, followed by the camera panning to him, may seem ludicrous, yet it represents the legendary Freddie Mercury. Then there's a sight of a large throng, as though it's the beginning before a concert.The picture follows Freddie as he walks out of what appears to be a mansion. After that, it depicts what's going on backstage in terms of preparation. Then Freddie arrived at the venue and removed his jacket. Another symbol to be aware of. In order to correspond with the real-life legendary Freddie Mercury, there were a lot of symbolic expressions in the opening. Finally, one of the singer's best singles, "Someboy to Love," is performed prominently. In general, it immerses the viewer in the life of iconic vocalist Freddie Mercury.
Opening scenes may be nothing more than that for many of us, but for those passionate in filmmaking, an opening scene can make or break a film. Some of the "Opening Scenes" that I have shared are those that drew me in and kept me watching.
What are some of your favourite opening scenes? Let us know in the comments below!