Film Opening Research #2 - Us

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

There are five main titles and then several other titles displaying the actors/filmcrews names.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The image prioritized in the opening sequence is first the rabbits eye and then it switches to the rabbits in the cage.

3. What connotations do the images carry?

The images carry a sense of uneasiness because the audience knows that these rabbits are an important part of the movie and are going to have a bigger meaning to the story.

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

The music playing in the background is suspenseful and makes the audience feel on edge. The color red for the title fits well and compliments the rabbits eyes while also being the pop of color in this opening sequence. The dim lighting can make the mood unsettling and is a great introduction for the rest of the movie.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

As the camera zooms out of the rabbit in the cage more and more rabbits seem to appear. The audience is hooked by the opening scene because they want to find out what the rabbits symbolize and they later finds out that these rabbits have a bigger meaning to the story.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The biggest strategy that Jordan Peele uses to apply to his target audience is the dramatic background music. This music is very suspenseful and adds a thrill to the audience which makes them want to watch more. 

7. How has technology been used effectively?

The zoom out feature is being used throughout this scene. This zoom effect can be achieved using a dolly-out which is a tracking shot moving backwards.