guardians of the galaxy / stranger than fiction

guardians of the galaxy / stranger than fiction 

Guardians of the galaxy V2

The opening of guardians of the galaxy Vol.2 introduces the main characters and sets up the plot, whilst simultaneously being an opening sequence with credits.  

Groot a small living tree is plugging in a stereo system, the first shot establishes Marvel as the production company, the words are lit in a bright neon blue to fit with the futuristic spacey theme of the film. There is a large action sequence going on the in background as grout dances too non diegetic, non parallel music for comedic effect. ELO’s MR Blue Sky starts as director James Gunns’ initiating the official start of the sequence the font is exactly the same as the previous with the neon blue. The song is purposefully played to contrast the background and is an example of dissonance. 

The next shot is the most important part of a title sequence, its ‘the title’. Unlike the small sized font used for the production company and director, the title of the film takes the majority of the shot. The font of the words ‘guardians of the galaxy’ are the same as the first film so that it's recognisable to the audience. It also manages to give off an intergalactic and successful superhero film. The golden colour scheme fits In aesthetically with the theme and with what is going on in the background. As one of the guardians, root is in a freeze frame next to the title to show that he is an important character as-well as having focus for the title. 

The next key feature of the title sequence is the casting. The cast are sometimes shown in order of their appearance on the screen however sometimes in order of popularity. In this it is popularity and the cast are shown after their name is mentioned. The font sticks to the original blue to stand out of the background and not be lost in the background. Due to this film falling into the fantasy category there are many actors in the film where there face isn’t present, Vin Diesel playing Groot and Bradley Cooper playing rocket, so when their name appears in smaller brown text it show the character they play so people can recognise their voice. 

In conclusion the mood of the opening sequence is upbeat and comedic, this is shown by the music and roots dancing whilst the other characters are fighting for their life in the background.  The clever use of editing and camera work to keep focused on Groot and not the others whilst still showing a fair amount of action keeps the audience entertained and starts the film off in a positive way. 

Stranger than fiction 

The movie starts with the name of the production house “The Colombia” and the “Mandate pictures” which appears on the screen with their respective trademark animation and a unique light motif which represents their production house. However like all other movies this one does not begins with the introduction or names of the characters.

The next scene starts with an extreme wide shot through the city into a room showing a watch on the table with a close up. This close up brings the audience to the point telling them that the watch plays a very significant role in the movie. This is shown when the narrator says that “his wrist watch delighted in the crisp wind against its face.” This reflects that the wristwatch is just not an ordinary watch used as a prop in the movie it has thoughts feelings and emotions.

When the character wakes up, there is a voice in the background of the narrator which connects us with the main character “Harold Crick”. This is shown with an ariel shot giving the audience a feeling as if the narrator is watching the entire life of Harold. While explaining the character of Harold, the narrator says that “Harold is a man of infinite numbers with endless calculations and remarkably few words.” These few words are enough to convey to the audience that what kind of a character Harold maybe, for example he’s clearly very good at math. But isn’t social, and is very alone.

Harold appears out to be a man of perfection and punctuality as he has had his every move timed and calculated. The director has edited this scene by using window editing technique and special editing graphics are used to make the scene interesting and show his calculations and perfection.