Film Opening Research #1- The Dark Knight

• How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

• There 3 titles displayed: Warner Brothers, Legendary Pictures, DC Comics.

• What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

• The main image prioritized in the opening sequence is the various clown masks.

• What connotations do the images carry?

• The clown mask carry a dark connotation. Even though clowns are supposed to be fun entertainment for children, within the context of the sequence they are more sinister.

• How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

• The Dark Knight film is categorized as a action, superhero thriller movie. The movie exemplifies the thriller element right off the bat with the non-diegetic ticking noise worked into the score. The movie opens with a bank robbery and the ticking lets the audience know the robbers have a time constraint. The robbers also continue to refer to the Joker character, building him up as the sequence continues. Action is easily portrayed by the robbery itself. The robbers have fights with bank employees and and each other. The dark colors and silence of the credits let you know this movie is more serious and evil. The characters are also wearing dark clothing, pops of color coming from the clown masks. The score is fast past and dangerous, like something that would accompany a high speed car chase. The setting is a modern day big city, Gotham, that works well for an action film. The most standout makeup is easily the Joker's clown face paint.

• How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

• The Joker is the openings enigma. We aren't given a backstory, we get little pieces of information on him from his cronies. As the robbers progressively take one another out we are left with a final robber standing. He is revealed to be the Joker and at this moment we have already learned everything we need to know about the Joker. He is a cunning, manipulative, psychotic, killer. Even when we were introduced to him before this, a minutes earlier, he is immediately  marked important.

• What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
• The target audience are fans of action movies and Batman. The film appeals to their audience by opening with following Batman's notorious villain. The film employs are loud score accompanying a fast past robbery with many hostages. Many people enjoy Joker's antics and this sequence does not lack them, which draws in the audience.  

• How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

• This sequence showcases many close ups and following shots. The transitions are quick and nothing out of the ordinary. Cross-cutting was used to show each step of the robbery. The simultaneity shows that the business man is planning something. An example of a leitmotif is the clown mask, representing the Joker.