Opening Sequence Comparisons

Comparing the opening sequence of 'Legally Blonde' and 'Seven'

Legally Blonde

Shot Types

• ECUs on different parts of main character - she is revealed bit by bit
• Occasional LS to get a feel for the area that the film is set in
• MS of the main character at the end to clearly show her to the audience
• CU shots of her materialistic possessions such as the Prada bag to show her wealth
• Overhead shots of the campus give us more of a sense of where this movie is taking place and helps establish the film

Character Information

• Hobbies and Personality of Main Character revealed through the many possessions shows in the opening sequence
• Name of main character is revealed on the card that is passed under her door
• Looks very popular due to her many friends that rush to sign her card
• Everyone is wearing pink and are all doing make up which strongly suggests that they are all very 'girly girls'
• Everyone seems to be extremely wealthy due to the large house they are in and the posh looking area that they are in

Narrative Expectations

• Upbeat music suggests that this is probably going to be a lively, fun film
• Shot of main character's boyfriend at the end shows that the narrative will probably be focused around relationships
• probably a very stereotypical film due to the characters already shown

Seven

Shots

• Initial LS inside to establish the setting of the house
• MS of two main characters so they are instantly recognisable and some of their personalities can be revealed
• CU of some of Morgan Freeman's personal possessions such as his glasses and metronome, these show that there is something different/mysterious about him
• LA shot showing Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt walking with rain pouring down, audience aren't on the same level as the characters and having the rain pour down on the audience creates a sense of misery

Character Information

• Freeman seems very isolated from everyone else, he is told that people don't want to be working with him anymore
• Wearing a trench coat which shows he is just like an old fashioned detective
• His morning routine is shows which shows that his character is very precise and likes to do things in a particular way
• Brad Pitt is wearing very casual clothing and chewing gum, shows he probably has a relaxed personality
• The way in which Pitt speaks to Freeman shows he has a lot of confidence

Narrative Expections

• Clips of newspaper filings and photos suggesting a murder mystery
• All colours are very grey and dark which hints that this could be a dark miserable film
• Most of the opening sequernce is silent which creates an eerie feel to the film
• Some inital conflict between Pitt and Freeman suggesting there may be more further in the film

Overall Comparison

'Seven' and 'Legally Blonde' both are completely different opening sequences. 'Legally Blonde' shows a bright, happy, almost unrealistic world where every boy and girl are ahppily getting along. From this it is easy to see that this film will be very lighthearted and joyful. 'Seven' starts off with dark miserable colours with a lot of silence which connotes an eerie depressing film. This contrast in the opening sequences is essential because both films are different genres. The genre of thriller/mystery comes across extremely well in 'Seven' and 'Legally blonde' is easily identified as an upbeat girly comedy.