The purpose of this comparison is identify how different aspects of a film opening distinguish a genre. I will be doing this by comparing 3 seperate genres.
Ghostbusters (1984)
The lighting in the text is low key and sets a dark atmosphere. The woman at the beginning of the opening screams diegetically as she faces a ghostly glow. This suggests the film is a horror. The title of the film is 'Ghostbusters', and suggests the theme is ghosts and paranormal activity. This is also evident as the words 'Paranormal Studies' is seen on an office door. A red circle encloses the image of the woman, holding strong connotations of violence and bloodshed.
The film jingle is upbeat and comical, showing juxtaposition as the theme is horror. This suggests that the film genre is comic horror. The setting of the film is in the 1980's. This is evident in the hairstyles, dress sense and technology used in the opening. The male carrying out the test is clearly the protoganist, as he is seen through mainly medium close ups and midshots. The attraction between the protagonist and the blonde female suggests the film will also contain romance.
Blade (1998)
The lighting is low key and is set at night, setting a dark atmosphere. The strobe lights create a fast pace setting, and the editing and non-diegetic music are equally as fast. This builds tension for the audience and suggests that the genre of the film may be thriller. The titles are in block capitals and are bright red, conveying strong connotations of blood and violence. This suggests that the genre is also horror. The characters are lively and youthful, setting an up beat atmosphere for the audience.
Star Wars (1977)
The genre of Star Wars is sci-fi. This is evident in the setting as the film is set in outer space and uses spacecraft. The lighting is low key, setting a mysterious and ominous atmosphere. Diegetic sound effects, such as guns and lasers, suggest the genre of the film may also be action. Fast pace and non-diegetic music is played throughout the opening, and sets a triumphant and heroic mood for the audience.
