Friday 11 November 2011

Serendipity Opening Sequence Analysis

Serendipity is a 2001 romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. This was mainly popular amongst adults due to its' intensity of romance. Also the romance element was between 2 adults which makes this less relatable for youngsters and teenagers. 
It immediately begins with a jumpy, happy song whilst the credits are occurring and the setting is being introduced. The music is very classical which allows it to be aimed at the targeted audience - adults. The opening sequence seems to last for 4 minutes and 19 seconds which is longer than what I have seen so far compared to others. Since it is longer than usual, it comes back to the genre - romantic comedy. This is because, longer opening sequences allow the extract to move at a gradual pace, decreasing the tension level. A number of basic, simple camera shots are used. This is because, in movies with similar genre to this, it is mainly about what you see in the screen in order to know what is happening. Everything in the frame is essential. Whereas, in horrors, they have many shots where it is oblivious to who and what is in the frame. This happens to enhance on the suspense. As the credits finish and it starts immediately in a shop, the 2 main characters are obviously shown as them 2 bump into each other wanting to buy the same item. The viewers instantaneously know that the love affair will be with these 2 later on in the film. As the opening sequence comes to an end, a restaurant called 'Serendipity' is shown. This answers the question to the viewers of why the movie is called this - it is obviously related to this shop. Viewers will now want to watch on to find out why the restaurant is crucial.




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