I found it difficult to decide which genre of film I wanted to do for my opening, so I wanted to research into genre specific openings to see which genre appealed to me the most.
Action film is a film genre in which the protagonist or protagonists end up in a series of challenges that typically include violence, close combat, physical feats and frantic chases. Action films tend to feature a resourceful hero struggling against incredible odds, which include life-threatening situations, a villain, or a pursuit which generally concludes in victory for the hero.
Action film openings for the most part: establish the main character and show why s/he is an exciting character. They often hint at the plot but don’t give any specifics away. And show several other characters , who are not too important to the overall plot.
Adventure films are a genre of film. Unlike action films, they often use their action scenes preferably to display and explore exotic locations in an energetic way.
Adventure film openings follow similar guidelines to action films but often take place in very exotic and fantasy environments. There is also a second type of adventure film opening where the audience is given a backstory to the main story. For example ‘Lord of the Rings’ did this.
Crime films are a genre of film that focus on crime. The stylistic approach to a crime film varies from realistic portrayals of real-life criminal figures, to the far-fetched evil doings of imaginary arch-villains.
Crime film openings follow a very similar guideline to action films but instead how why the bad doers are how they are. They often have a more exciting opening, for example them committing a crime or being chased by police.
Horror film is a film genre that seeks to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on their fears and may overlap with the fantasy and thriller genres.
Horror films don’t have many guidelines with how they begin, they do tend to establish the main plot a bit more than in other films, however this is usually because the plot is quite obvious.
Comedy is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. These films are designed to make the audience laugh through amusement and most often work by exaggerating characteristics for humorous effect.
Comedy films follow a very different guideline, I think. With there normally being not much of a plot, most characters are introduced straight away. There is usually one big joke instead of a few smaller ones as there are throughout the rest of the film.
Drama films are films that focus on a specific issue or storyline, while no adhering to any of the other genres of films above. Some of the ‘best films’ have been drama films.
Drama films often don’t have a strict opening but do establish a character, some other, smaller characters. Drama films are also more likely to have narration than in other films, this is because they often centre around one main characters problems rather than a a group of characters.
Based on this I want to do a drama film as I feel I could do well with a minimalist and quiet style to the opening. Especially with the main idea I have as it would suit that style well.
Owen Timmins' AS Media Studies Blog 