MJ: Snow Work 12/03/2013

 

Dexter (Showtime, 2006-Present)

 

• Although Dexter is an American TV show, the opening sequence is quite cinematic and almost parodies other sequences, such as the "7even" opening sequence.
• Throughout this sequence we see the main character/ serial killer, Dexter, going through his morning routine of shaving, making breakfast and getting dressed for work, however the way that the actions with mise-en-scene are represented make these actions dark and murder-like, for example as he grips his laces as he ties his shoes the audience may also see it as strangling someone.
• During the sequence the camera rarely moves until a cut, but angles are frequently used to create mystery about what is going on, for example as Dexter slices the meat, the audience cannot see the packaging explaining that it is food rather than a human body.
• The music in this sequence is also mysterious, and is frequently matched with the visuals, for example as Dexter is shaving, one drop of blood falls to the sink and when the other drops and creates a bigger splash, a loud bell is heard giving this drop of blood a more meaningful symbol.
• The whole sequence features only non-verbal communication, which once again creates mystery around Dexter's character, yet the audience can tell that he is a dark character through the way his actions seem so violent yet normal is something which many may link to the way a psychopath works.
• The director also frames most of the shots in extreme close-up, creating an uncomfortable feeling within the actions, such as when Dexter places the piece of meat in his mouth in an animalistic fashion.

Snatch (Ritchie, 2000)

 

• The target audience for Snatch are men aged 18-24, however the film has a wider audience among British viewers, who are interested in films about heists and the underground smuggling trade.
• The use of famous Hollywood actors and bankable stars such as Benicio Del Toro and Brad Pitt would also bring in more potential audience members.
• The probable reading from Snatch is that is that the underground world of crime is populated by men who are all connected in some way.
• As a British teenager I see this text as a quality piece of British film making, being one of the best items in the British genre of comedy-crime, among another of Ritchie's films in this genre, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (which feature many of the same actors).
• The mix of comedy and crime within the opening sequence is enjoyable to watch for boys around the similar age as myself, as well as the actors who would be known as "lads" to my generation.

Reservoir Dogs (Tarantino, 1992)

 

• This opening scene features many famous actors, such as Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Tim Roth as well as director Quentin Tarantino, all of which are bankable stars. This was an important factor not only because they had the talents to pull off their individual characters, but because it would bring in a larger audience due to the bankable stars have followers that will see a film simply because their favourite actor is in it.
• Reservoir Dogs is an independent film, also being Tarantino's first film, and was made on a budget of $1.2 million, the studio the film was made under was LIVE America (now Artisan Entertainment), but was mainly funded by Tarantino himself, but later on stars, such as Harvey Keitel, pitched in to raise funds.
• The film did not have any other marketing, other than word of mouth upon initial release, which lead to the film being shown at the Sundance Film Festival and gaining acclaim from Empire as "the Greatest Independent Film ever made".
• The low budget can be seen within the opening sequence as it is very basic, featuring the "Dogs" walking across a parking lot in slow-motion with a soundtrack over the top. It uses a basic font and style for the titles, individually matched to the named actors, which adds to this basic-yet-effective technique.