In defiance of the conventions of the majority of action films, The Book Of Eli begins with a suitably subtle opening. Washed in teal overtones, the look of the film is very distinct. The environment is evidently a post-apocalyptic wasteland, as life, bar a fur-less cat, is no-where to be found. Our expectation is proven as the camera focuses and zooms on into a gas-masked and unidentifiable individual, his bow and arrow pointed directly towards the audience. His breathing through the mask increases the suspense as the cat stares towards his/her fate. A break in the subtle music precedes a slow-motion shot of the arrow darting towards its target. The hunter casually approaches his prey, picks it up and ponders for a moment before standing to leave. The screen erupts into white as the film begins. In the context of the film it is a way of establishing the way of life for the protagonist while on its own it is a powerful opening due to its simplicity, creating a number of enigmas for the audience to interpret.
28 September 2012
Action Opening Analysis: "The Book Of Eli"
In defiance of the conventions of the majority of action films, The Book Of Eli begins with a suitably subtle opening. Washed in teal overtones, the look of the film is very distinct. The environment is evidently a post-apocalyptic wasteland, as life, bar a fur-less cat, is no-where to be found. Our expectation is proven as the camera focuses and zooms on into a gas-masked and unidentifiable individual, his bow and arrow pointed directly towards the audience. His breathing through the mask increases the suspense as the cat stares towards his/her fate. A break in the subtle music precedes a slow-motion shot of the arrow darting towards its target. The hunter casually approaches his prey, picks it up and ponders for a moment before standing to leave. The screen erupts into white as the film begins. In the context of the film it is a way of establishing the way of life for the protagonist while on its own it is a powerful opening due to its simplicity, creating a number of enigmas for the audience to interpret.