Action opening scene research

 Raiders of the lost ark

Directed by steven Spielberg in 1981, written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas and produced my paramount pictures staring, Harrison Ford, Karen Allen and Paul Freema. 

 

 

 

This opening scene not only reminds the audience of the adventure and action nature of the film, but also sets up the plot line quite nicely, as we expect to see how any what that piece of treasure is so important, we also expect there to be a build up to a climax of adventure, due to the nature and theme of the sequence. We can see that the most likely target audience is most likely young men due to adventure and violence aspect to the sequence in the age rating or around 12-30 men most likely. 

 

We know this is an Action film due to the fast and hectic scenes to show the action in this sequence hence why it’s an action and adventure, as we follow the seemingly likable and effortless protagonist. We are introduced to two main characters, The main protagonist, Indiana jones, the fearless, world class adventurer. Moreover, we are introduced to his seeming step-kick, who is clearly less confident and uncomfortable with the situations, we then learn he is disloyal, and is then killed due to his own arrogance. 

 

In this section within the sequence if the opening scene we can see close ups showing a convoy of people moving through the jungle, this use of camera not only gives us a sense of isolation, but also shows us the effort behind one of these mission type of treasure hunt, we are reminded that there are more factors then just the will of the protagonist. 

  

 

Objects are clearly used in the foreground to disturb to focus of the shot, this allows a sense of size to be shown on the characters, and that they are not in a controlled area, such a city, it reflects the lack their control on the situation as they tread through the jungle.  

 

Editing is used to slowly introduce us t the characters walking through the jungle, first exposing us to the surroundings, by using a close up shot showing the feet of the men walking through the jungle. Then focusing on their appearance as we are given different angels showing the men, showing us things such as their equipment and clothes. 

 

We are then finally shown the faces of some of the characters with a mid-long shot, showing us that some are scared and seem on edge, as displayed below. We now have a better idea of the situation as it seems that some of the men are there as help and may have been dragged a bit outside of there know area, as they are looking for a “lost ark” 

The non-diegetic soundtrack that creeps in through the sequence, is used to build tension and suspense as these men trek further and further into the jungle, suggesting to the audience that this is not your average family walk, this is some form of expedition with an end goal. The soundtrack also allows the audience to have empathy with the characters as they are put in this uncertain situation. In addition, the ambient sound effects used in the background exaggerate the harsh and rich jungle environment, with load insect like squeals as well as load monkey calls to allow us to get a sense of being in that place. 

 

I think this opening sequence done by Steven Spielberg is very effective as it not only allows the audience to get an accurate deprivation of the main protagonist, portraying him as a skilled explorer/adventurer who seems very experienced and laid back as not much seems to faze him. Moreover portraying the type of excitement that is a common theme in the India jones films, thus perfectly portraying the vision and tone of the film and characters.