Exploring Some of Hollywood's Most DRAMATIC Film Openings
Every good drama movie has to start somewhere, that being the opening scene. The opening/ credit scene sets the tone for the rest of the film. In order to gain some inspiration for my own film opening I have researched some of the most iconic drama movie opening scenes.
This film came out in the 90s and is about dealing with a heroin addict. This opening has become iconic by some of the unique characteristics used. The first thing that one notices is the fast paced opening. Right away viewers jump into an action packed world where teens are recklessly running in the streets. Bringing the viewers right into the drama grabs their attention and interest. Then we hear the main character having a monologue (aka what is so iconic from the opening). The monologue serves as a way for the conflict and character to be introduced. We hear the character justifying the aimless life of a drug addict and we learn that he can't stop even if he wanted to. The freeze frames stopping on each character serve as a way to introduce the character in a cheesy yet exciting way. For a paused moment we get to analyze each character. Lastly the opening ends with the main character hitting the ground while using drugs in a grimy room. This hints at the characters difficult and unhealthy situation he is in.
This is a newer drama released in 2019. The film is about the movie industry in Hollywood during the 1950s. The film mainly follows this story in the perspectives of a big Hollywood actor and his stunt double. Although the majority of the film is in color, the opening scene is in black and white and is shown on a smaller frame. The opening is meant to mimic a tv advertisement in the 50s. This is further developed by having cheesy background noises and a catchy slogan "Dead or alive you're just a dollar sign to Jake Cahill on Bounty Law Thursday's at 8:30 only on NBC." This allows the audience to feel as if they were truly watching an advertisement for "Bounty Law" in the 50s. Next it cuts to the "Bounty Law" interviewer asking the main actor and his stunt questions about the show. This is done to introduce the characters and the dynamic they have. The actor being the head of operation and a "pretty boy" while the stunt double is more in the shadows and isn't afraid of getting his hands dirty.
Both these intros do a good job of hinting at the films conflict, theme, and characters which are all necessary in a good drama. What I have taken away from this research is that my opening needs to transport the audience into the film right away. I need a wow factor that is makes the film interesting/ stands out while still appealing to what a drama calls for. Now all I need is a film opening idea...
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