Sunday, 20 September 2015

Saving Private Ryan: Opening Scene Analysis

This is my first opening scene analysis post. I chose to look at Steven Spielberg's 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998). I followed a list of questions to guide me in what I was looking at to analyse the opening of this film.



1. In the opening sequence to the film, the audience is introduced to an elderly-aged man. He limps along a path, being followed by what seems like his wife and his family. As the actor stops and rests his hand on a tree for support, the camera then cuts from an American flag to the flag of France. As the actor continues to walk, the camera zooms out slowly, revealing a mass cemetery. This immediately suggests to me that the narrative of the film is based on the Invasion of Normandy in World War 2 and how the man being followed by the camera was once a soldier who fought in that war.



2. I could understand the genre of the film from the opening scene by the use of sound. The sad tones within the music playing slowly cuts to a dark scene of the battle. As the lighting grew intensely grey, it was evident this film is a war-drama.

3. Tom Hanks is presented as the leading actor of the film by the way in which his camera-time is more than the other actors shown. He also walks alone, whilst his family walked together following him. This enables the audience to focus on Hanks' character only.

4. The music played includes instruments of trumpets and violins creating sad, dark and deep tones. As the scene cuts to the beach, the audience hear what the actors hear; harsh waves crashing amongst each other and loud boat engines. This sound helps me to further see an action genre.

5. I learn that the types of characters are soldiers. These men are strong and brave, fighting for their country. However, as the camera focuses on their facial expressions and the uncontrollable shaking of one's hand, these men are also fearful and utterly terrified.


6. The use of dark and intense grey light in Saving Private Ryan makes me think of other films with genres of tragedy, thriller and action.

7. I would believe the audience for this film should be a 15+ due to the historical side and witnessing what soldiers went through during battle. The gruesome, graphic and violent scenes with blood and body parts splattered everywhere also needs a mature audience.


8. What I like about this opening scene is how it focuses on one specific character. This informs me I need to focus on them rather tan me being unsure of what the film is about and who I should pay attention to.

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