Types of Film Openings Unwrapped
- Fatima Asad
- Mar 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Hello there!
As most of you might know (after reading my previous post), the first scenes of a movie/film have have an incredible ability to grab your attention, making you eager for what's yet to come. Today, I will be covering 5 different ways in which filmmakers might kickstart their stories. Each of them are unique and engaging in their own way, and primarily serve to hook the viewer and keep them entertained right from the very beginning.
5 Types Of Film Openings :-
Inciting Incident: The first type of film opening that is being discussed today is an inciting incident. This is the kind of preface where a single, game-changing moment sets the whole story in motion. The inciting incident is a plot point or event that hooks the audience into the story. This moment thrusts the protagonist into the plot of the screenplay. Using this technique to set the story into motion right at the beginning serves as a hook and the audience is immediately drawn into the story. It also sets the tone for the narrative and provides a clear direction for the plot. An example for this type of opening could be Christopher Nolan's masterpiece, "The Dark Knight" (2008). While beginning the movie, Nolan doesn't waste a second, but kicks off the film with a jaw dropping bank heist! This chaotic and unpredictable opening accomplishes the goal - it is engaging and manages to enchant the spectators. Moreover, this opening sequence not only grabs your attention, but also lays the groundwork for the events that will transpire later in the story.
Character-Centric Opening: Next, let's unravel the allure of a character-centric opening. This particular type of opening places one character in the spotlight. It focuses on introducing and developing a central character(s) early on. This approach allows the audience to create an emotional connection all too soon, making the viewers more invested in the character's journey throughout the film. The character-centric opening sets the tone for the entire film. It provides insights into the genre, themes, and overall mood. Whether it's a lighthearted comedy, a dark drama, or an action-packed adventure, the initial character portrayal establishes the film's atmosphere. An example could be "Forrest Gump" (1994). The film doesn't burst onto the scene with grandeur but rather with Forrest, calmly seated on a bench, sharing his life tale with strangers. It's a subtle but powerful start, immediately endearing us to Forrest and laying the foundation for a poignant journey through his extraordinary life.
Backstory: A backstory opening is a type of opening where a story begins by providing background information or history. this could be about the characters, the setting, or even the events before delving into the main plot. A backstory opening can be very helpful for the viewers as they can understand the context in which the main story is set. Furthermore, a backstory opening can also be very important for world building. It can also evoke motions in the audience , as they learn about the character's past. A perfect example of this would be "Up" (2009), directed by Pete Docter. This animated masterpiece uses the backstory in the opening sequences to perfection, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, showing the highs and lows of Carl (the main character) and his wife Ellie. By using this particular type of film opening, "Up" sets the emotional foundation for Carl's character as well as setting the tone for the rest of the film.
Flash Forward: A flash forward in filmmaking is a narrative technique where the story briefly ventures into the future before returning to the present or past timeline. This adds an element of suspense and curiosity, providing a glimpse of a significant event yet to unfold. It serves as an effective storytelling tool to captivate the audience's attention and generate anticipation for the events that will lead to the depicted future moment. In the opening of "Wonder Woman," there's a really neat cinematic technique where young Diana seamlessly transforms into the formidable warrior we later see in the museum. Initially, she's this curious and determined kid, and suddenly, she evolves into this incredible warrior. This "flash forward" concept not only provides a glimpse into Diana's future but also constructs a visually engaging narrative within the museum setting, contrasting youthful innocence with seasoned experience.
Cold Opens: Lastly, let's uncover the intrigue of a "cold open." This cinematic technique is akin to a mystery box – it thrusts you right into the heart of the action without any prior introduction. Imagine stepping into a movie and finding yourself in the middle of a gripping scene, no warm-up, just an immediate immersion into the plot. A prime example of this captivating approach can be witnessed in the TV series "Breaking Bad." The show kicks off with a pair of pants flying through the air, landing in the desert, leaving viewers perplexed and eager to unravel the enigma. This cold open strategy isn't just about grabbing attention; it's a narrative puzzle that beckons the audience to piece together the story, creating an irresistible hook that pulls you straight into the cinematic whirlwind.
With that we come to an end to this post. I think we can safely say that we have masterfully examined these 5 types of film openings, their importance and impact on the audience, as well as inspecting their applications and how different films employed these techniques to marvelously entrap the viewers into the inciting story, refraining them from being bored or distracted right from the start.
See you in my next post !
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