Film Opening Reasearch #2 - The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2

 

The iconic Hunger games franchise has 4 movies in total, however, today I will be focusing on Mockingjay part 2. Since this is the fourth movie the opening scene is going to be very different. Overall the films are in a dystopian society that is having a rebellion lead by our main character Katniss Everdeen. While the opening scene in Guardians of the Galaxy is introducing a character and a whole other world for an audience, this film has already done this process and is simply following/continuing the story. Although it may seem that this opening scene does not have much to look at, the small details are immensely important to the story and the film. Overall, I believe that some of the genres for this film are Action, Drama, and Science Fiction. These are some other genres that I really enjoy. Although you may not understand everything that is going on in this scene, I hope this opening scene encourages you to watch the movies!

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

    Contrary to Guardians, this film only has one title, which is the name of the movie. It seems that all 4 movies of the franchise have this simple opening title sequence. Moreover, I believe that since this one continues right off from the third one they might not have to add all these details. The audience just sees the title, which in my opinion creates a much more dramatic effect. You don't feel that you are watching a movie, instead you feel that you are transferred into another world. The words on the screen can sometimes distract the audience and make the movie not transform you into that world. The simplicity of this movie is very different to the bright gold and white letters on the Guardians of the Galaxy one. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

-The neck brace

-Her throat

-Plutarch looking at Katniss

-Katniss looking at Peeta

-Prim talking to Peeta

-Peeta’s face

What connotations do the images carry? 

In contrast to the Guardians of the Galaxy having this negative yet positive connotation, this film has a very heavy and emotional connotation. The setting is gray, white, and bland. Moreover, you see all the characters, including Katniss, very drained and tired. There is no juxtaposition in this opening scene and instead it is much more heavy and impactful. Although the setting in the scene may be very simple and plain , the actors did their job well and made the connotation really rely on their emotional acting. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

Although you may not see any aspects that are obviously action packed in these first four minutes of the film, you definitely see the drama aspect of the genre. By seeing how the actors really dive deep into their character and into their emotion, thoughts, trauma, etc. By seeing how Katniss is in physical and emotional pain, seeing Prim’s fear, and Peeta’s outburst, it definitely falls into the genre of drama. However, as I said before, you may not know that there is action in this movie, but by seeing Katniss's bruised neck and Peeta with bruises, you can tell that these characters might have been in some type of fight or action packed. I believe that in this opening scene compared to Guardians of the Galaxy it is much harder to define which genre it is since the story has continued and already has defined its genre. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

As I said before there are not that many strategies that are used in this opening scene to define the action genre because it is very emotional and more “stable” in this opening scene. However, there are several strategies that emphasize the drama aspect of the film. For instance, the dim lights contrasting the bright light. In addition, the framing in these scenes are very important as it helps the audience focus on the people or things that were supposed to be emphasized. Another aspect I must say that emphasized the genre is the makeup. For instance, the bruises on Katniss's neck and on Peeta’s face. Furthermore, the music at the very end gives a dramatic effect to the opening sequence, closing the scene off and continuing the movie perfectly. 

How has technology been used effectively? 

-Close ups

-Over the shoulder shot

-Framing (Using the window as a frame)

-Pan

-Shot/reverse shot

-simple cuts

-Smash cut

-Elliptical editing

These shots are essential to focusing on the story and the emotional scenes that are going during the first 4 of this movie. Primarily, the type of shots are really necessary to view the characters and their emotions. For instance the close ups of Katniss, Prim, and Peeta are necessary in order to show you what is going on through their head. The over the shoulder shot is to show you the several conversations we see between Katniss and the doctor, Katniss and Plutarch, and Prim and Peeta. This also includes the shot/reverse shot in order to see both of the characters. Moreover, the use of some pan shots are helpful to show a little bit of the setting. In addition the framing of the window also helps the audience realize that Peeta can be compared to this wild animal that must be held behind a barrier, especially after he has his outburst. The simple cuts to again not distract the audience from other aspects of the film and also to make it a calm feeling is completely different for when they use a smash cut in order to show Peeta’s outburst. It was a perfect way to incorporate this neutral feeling to this startled one. Lastly, they use some elliptical editing in order to show that they have gone to another room but they won't show you their whole way they went from one room to another. Although this film and the Guardians of the Galaxy had similar angles and shots, the ones that are different also help make the difference of the type of emotion, genre, and mood that is occurring in the scene.

All in all, after comparing both of the movies and how much their opening scene contributes to the genres,  I can tell how different aspects contribute to different genres. Especially seeing how both have action yet one has comedy and one has drama, you can tell the different factors and attributes of each film. Overall, I hope you also watch all 4 of these films because they are outstanding and a fun adventure into the world of Panem. See you soon! :)

                                                                                                         -Love, Lucy <3

Quote of the Day: "Mockingjay, May Your Aim Be As True As Your Heart Is Pure."-Effie Trinket