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Sci-fi opening sequences By Hollie Potter
Watchmen • Within this PowerPoint, I will be analysing the opening sequence form sci-fi film, ‘Watchmen’. I will be illustrating how director, Zach Snyder, has implemented the conventions of a sci-fi film into Watchmen. • The film was released on the 23rdFebruary 2009 through production company Warner Bros. • It is also interesting to note that Tim Burton expressed interest in directing the film, however, ultimately turned it down.
Genre and Conventions • Use of time travel, teleportation, mind control, super powers, etc … • Themes of existentialism, aliens, etc … • Special effects • The characters shown are a group of superhero’s, this is evident through the use of costume and props. They follow their archetype through their clothing and persona.
Narrative • The film follows the plot line of a group of superheroes. This is clearly depicted within the opening title sequence. There is a sense of unity which is commonly shown in superhero films. • Themes are presented using action codes such as weapons, guns, etc... Therefore, we can expect violence and action. • Director, Snyder, also incorporates major historical events such as the assignation of John F Kennedy. This creates a sense of nostalgia and is an element that the audience can find relation with.
Target Audience • The target audience would be male oriented due to the stereotypical nature of sci-fi/action films being dominated by a male demographic. The use of superheroes also contribute to this stigmatized perspective of men being the predominant watchers. The title ‘watchmen’ also includes a heavy focus on the word ‘men’, • I think the age range would be targeted more for an older audience due to it presenting a darker representation of superheroes. It is also R rated which again, suggests this would not be particularly suitable for a younger audience.
Camera work/editing • Snyder utilized the use of slow motion to place emphasis and focus on the action of violence. You can see every detail. This could imply that the camera was shot with a high shutter speed. • There is also a comic stylized text to illustrate the cast list. This is to link back to the original comics of watchmen. • There is also close ups on certain objects, such as a newspaper, to place emphasis on what is being shown. Snyder is mixing the worlds of enigma and action codes.
Was it successful? • Yes I think the opening sequence was extremely successful. I think the execution was presented well by Snyder and I found the links to historical context captivating. Specifically considering they added their own layer to the scenarios. For example, having the two woman kiss at 1:09.
