Rida Imaan's Media Studies Blog

In the previous post, we already discussed the importance of film openings and how they can impact the audience, determine the genre, and set the tone for the movie. In this post we're going to be discussing the different types of openings-hence the title-listed below. Backstory This type of opening is one that gives more insight to the character, and their life up to the point where the main theme of the film comes into play. This opening is easier to understand for the viewers, as it shows all the main characters and the events leading up to the conflict in the movie. There could be several ways to advance towards achieving the backstory opening, one of them could be a brief introduction of the characters and their setting; this is typically the first choice as it gives the viewer some time to familiarize themselves with the characters and the story up to the point of the beginning of the movie. Another method would be to use 'flashbacks', meaning the character gets a sud...

The first minute of the movie, the true first minute after the credits and logos, it shapes the viewers expectations of what's to come. Thus, it's importance. The reason it's so important is due to how the viewers expectations are going to be influenced by it. As viewers, we expect a good strong opening. But what is it that makes an opening 'good'? A good opening could include the main character, a symbol, inner monologue or an important setting (this is typically for TV shows but works for movies too). In my opinion a bad opening would be one where it takes a long time to get to the point, the credits obstruct the characters, characters aren't introduced till more than 5 minutes in.  Take the beginning of "Barbie" for instance, the hit 2023 movie began with a monologue, an unnamed narrator talks of how since the dawn of time, there have been 'dolls', specifically baby ones. Now, this statement on its own shows the direction the movie is takin...

Auburn rays glide in, creeping quietly through the wispy drapes & spilling into my room. A new day brings a new hope, a new beginning, a new vision for the future. My vision...is blank. I see nothing, I know nothing; tomorrow is a mystery after all. All I know is my name, my age, & my goal. Rida, 17, & to succeed. Succeed in what? In all I put my mind to, which in this case would be this project. I plan to put my mind, body & soul into all my work, to make up for the past where I lacked immensely. I'm not ashamed to admit my mistakes, I believe they make me who I am, for better or for worse. This time, it's going to be different, I'll make sure of it. I thank you for joining me on my (estimate, a year) long journey, I promise it won't disappoint, I won't disappoint.