Why Use Enigma

Enigma is used in films to create suspense and leave unanswered questions. This creates a gripping effect for the viewer as they are left wanting to know the answer and therefore wanting to watch the whole film.

Conventions Of A Film Opening

A narrator- Can be used to help set the scene or give a background story to a film. When the narrator is also a character within the film they are known as the viewpoint character This is used at the beginning of Goodfellas.
Introduction of main characters- This is done so that there is no confusion as to who a certain character is.
Establishing Shot- This shot is used so that the viewer knows whereabout the film is taking place.
The music used in a film opening can be very important as it helps to set the mood or genre, for example sharp high pitched music could be associated with a horror.
Also the lighting used can set a tone, such as in a romance there could be low lighting used such as candle light.

Film Opening Research: Platoon

At the beginning of this clip the camera pans out so that all the main characters are made visible as they get off the helicopter, they also are shown walking out of a dusty cloud, this gives a sense of enigma as the viewer is left intensively watching wanting to know which characters are about to emerge.
The colours used within this opening are all neutral, mainly greens and browns which helps put the picture across that they are in a bland environment. the costumes are also green standard army unifroms which gives the viewer an idea of what genre the film is.
Diagetic noises are used throughout, them main ones being the footprints through the forest and the heavy breathing. The heavy breathing is emphasised to show how the soldiers are tiring and so that the viewer can possibly sympaphise.
As the helicopter flies next to the rain forest it does a panning shot of its surroundings which establishes the new setting.
No make up is used but characters are made sweaty to show the heat intensity of where they are.

Film Opening Research: Goodfellas

The beginning of this clip starts with cheery up beat music which could be assoiciated with a stereotypical oldmans jazz club.
The lighting is quite dark which emphasises how gangsters lead a generally dark and offen violent lifestyle.
There are close ups and long shots on all of the main characters to show their emotion and what they are wearing as the costume is very important in this film. Suits worn by the gangsters show wealth as they are 'suited and booted'.
Narration in the first few clips sets the scene and gives the film its background.
The first introduced character speaks over the music which shows he has power and all focus is on him.
Cigars are the main prop used which has a denotation of being either rich or classy.
A working class family are shown with two parents and three children, these are all shown in everyday clothing and in natural lighting meaning they dont take a role within the gangster lifestyle.

Brief

Video
The main task is to create the titles and opening of a new fiction film to last a maximum time of two minutes.