Film Opening Research #2: Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)
The second film I have chosen to observe is Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007), a personal favorite that falls into the comedy category.
1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
Rather than beginning with the title of the film, the movie begins with the setting (June in London). Once the title appears, it is written by the exhaust of a cartoon car.
2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images emphasized in the opening sequence are all regarding bad weather: a thermometer with a low temperature, a grey building surrounded by bare trees, umbrellas, and rain. A yellow honking car is also prioritized, as well as an unusual car lock. Finally, the image of Mr. Bean receiving his holiday is prioritized.
The images emphasized in the opening sequence are all regarding bad weather: a thermometer with a low temperature, a grey building surrounded by bare trees, umbrellas, and rain. A yellow honking car is also prioritized, as well as an unusual car lock. Finally, the image of Mr. Bean receiving his holiday is prioritized.
3. What connotations do the images carry?
These images carry gloom and darkness. The car, which parked backwards, also provides a goofy connotation, as it has a funny sounding horn and is bright yellow, contrasting from the surroundings. The last image produces an excited feeling, as everything is bright and everyone is smiling.
4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Genre is reinforced first by Mr. Bean's confusion, as he thought his number said 616 rather than the winning number 919. When the slip falls in a toy train and turns around, he realizes his mistake. The use of the train to do this creates a childish connotation of Mr. Bean and also allows for comedy. Lighting is used to focus on the image of the South of France, which contrasts from the gloomy rain of London, as well as to focus on Mr. Bean when he wins the prize. Music is used to create a sense of excitement, as a whimsical tune is played once Mr. Bean has won. The camera work uses a high angle shot to establish the idea that Mr. Bean is one among many, thus increasing the excitement once he wins. Comedy is also enforced by the wearing of ponchos indoors due to the severe ceiling leakage, showing how Londoners simply cannot escape the rain. The film also uses symbolism to transition from the room with the toy train to an actual train leaving a tunnel as Mr. Bean makes his way to France.
Genre is reinforced first by Mr. Bean's confusion, as he thought his number said 616 rather than the winning number 919. When the slip falls in a toy train and turns around, he realizes his mistake. The use of the train to do this creates a childish connotation of Mr. Bean and also allows for comedy. Lighting is used to focus on the image of the South of France, which contrasts from the gloomy rain of London, as well as to focus on Mr. Bean when he wins the prize. Music is used to create a sense of excitement, as a whimsical tune is played once Mr. Bean has won. The camera work uses a high angle shot to establish the idea that Mr. Bean is one among many, thus increasing the excitement once he wins. Comedy is also enforced by the wearing of ponchos indoors due to the severe ceiling leakage, showing how Londoners simply cannot escape the rain. The film also uses symbolism to transition from the room with the toy train to an actual train leaving a tunnel as Mr. Bean makes his way to France.
5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The film establishes an enigma from the beginning by showing a dark mysterious building surrounded by balloons. When the audience enters the scene, simply names are called, without an immediate explanation. This creates a sense of curiosity and mystery as the audience wonders why the numbers are being called and why so many people are waiting inside.
The film establishes an enigma from the beginning by showing a dark mysterious building surrounded by balloons. When the audience enters the scene, simply names are called, without an immediate explanation. This creates a sense of curiosity and mystery as the audience wonders why the numbers are being called and why so many people are waiting inside.
6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The film shows both children and adults, which helps appeal to the target audience of a family. By showing people of all ages, people of all ages feel a connection to the characters in the film and have no trouble imagining themselves among the people.
The film shows both children and adults, which helps appeal to the target audience of a family. By showing people of all ages, people of all ages feel a connection to the characters in the film and have no trouble imagining themselves among the people.
7. How has technology been used effectively?
Technology has been used most effectively through the use of added sound. By adding whimsical music, the entire atmosphere of the film changes from gloomy to bright.
Technology has been used most effectively through the use of added sound. By adding whimsical music, the entire atmosphere of the film changes from gloomy to bright.
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