Essex Boys –
Opening Sequence Analysis
The camera
shots and angles represented in the this opening sequence really give the
audience an idea of not only what the film is about but potentially the genre
as well. These technical elements are crucial into the connotations surrounding
the opening sequence and what the possible narratives is in the near future. An
element of foreshadow maybe be presented in the opening sequence through the
use action codes, for example: a potential major character is seen with a
batten (an important prop) connoting that the rest of the film will entail
minor characters getting beaten up. As a result, this links in with Roland
Barthes Code theory because it illustrates several action codes; thus
particular media texts contain certain codes which audiences can interpret to
help them gain a better understanding of the narrative.
The close up
of facial expressions of the protagonists face connotes anxiety and frustration
due to the careless, unforgettable and callous acts the major figure
demonstrates through out the opening sequence. Also, the hand-held movement
when the protagonist opens up the van door signifies the trembling fear that he
his experiencing for the “geezer” because presumably acid has been splashed all
over his face. As a result of this, the audience feels empathetic towards the
minor character due to the multiple shots of him in extreme pain. Therefore,
this does tie in with Rick Altman’s Genre Theory because syntactic elements are
present due to the fact that the audience feels a certain empathetic theme
towards this particular character.
Moreover, the established shot of the camera trailing the car from behind
connoted them going on a journey and could contribute towards the narrative and
enigma codes of the film. The medium
shot of the windscreen looking in through the car is accompanied by noticeable
and purposeful reflections on the windscreen connoting the unclear confusion
the protagonist is representing, this is further denoted through his voice over
which portrays him in an unstable state of mind. For example: “Jason needed a
new shirt, the geezer needed a new face”; this simple piece of dialogue
signifies the distressed mental state of himself. This is again, further represented through
the soft tone of voice that connotes the unsure and concerned belief the
protagonist (Billy) is experiencing. 
In addition, the combination of medium shot through the window screen
with the wipers, swiping the dirt away potentially connotes a clean slate for
the man after getting out of prison after serving a five-year stretch. However, the flow of the opening sequence cuts
to an extreme close up of his face and his facial expressions connote he is out
for revenge – the two contrasting and juxtaposition camera shots are placed
next to each other deliberately in order to emphasise the confused state this
character is in; this could possibly explain all the violent acts he has
conducted so far in the film. Also, this may lead to a mental illness later on
in the film; which immediately signifies a narrative enigma within the opening
sequence. In addition this could lead onto a multi strand narrative whereby we
see this character with other minor characters concerning his mental health and
well – being.
The
fast-paced editing of multiple short-takes when a conflict has emerged gives
the audience a real sense of danger and excitement, which in turn grabs and
entices the target audience’s attention. This editing technique is a good way
of demonstrating the genre through technical channels. It connotes the film
itself will be fast-paced and dramatic – always edging to the brink of your
seats.
Moreover,
the action match consisting of the major character splashing acid on the
victims face makes the scene seem more real. The effect of this is to create a
connection between the victim and the audience; in order for the audience to
feel empathetic towards a character and form an emotional attachment with the
film itself! Also, the shot reverse shot editing technique while the two characters
are in the van alternate between each other connoting the difference in
personality – which further reiterates the protagonist’s worry about what he’s
doing and getting himself into.
Considering
the mis-en-scene of any film comes with significant importance when
representing certain characters or even the genre in a specific way. The
Chiaroscuro lighting at the start of the opening sequence connotes a possible ‘dark
side’ the narrative will incorporate further on as the storyline progresses. An
element of foreshadowing has taken place and enables the active audience to ask
questions about not only the character and possible enigmas, but also the genre
itself.
Costumes are
effective way in which a characters personality can be connoted to the audience
through by just what they’re wearing. The major character in the opening
sequence is wearing a Black and Gold shirt connoting he likes to show off and
is represented as the ‘main man’ running the show. This is a clever use and
example of semantic codes embedded in the opening sequence in order to gain an
insight into the genre.
As I
mentioned dialogue and voice over’s above, it emphasise the characters
personality. Furthermore, the sound consists of non diegetic sound of a music
track which denotes a constant rhythm of a sophisticated, electronic
synthesiser keyboard. A builds a rhythm and subsequently builds an atmosphere
within the room of the audience because it is extremely dramatic.
The
protagonist directly addresses (also known as breaking the 4th wall)
the audience through the use of a voice over in some parts of the opening
sequence, for example: Billy (the protagonist) says, “And that was that, job
done” allowing the audience to sympathise with the character because the
audience realise, what has Billy got himself into? This forms a bond between
the protagonist and the active audience straight away, linking in with Rick
Altman’s Genre theory due to the fact that syntactic elements are present when
a connection is formed between character and audience.
The
protagonist Billy is represented as an open minded character ready for anything
as he says, “I’ll try anything me”. However, Billy is represented as a naive
character because he gets himself involved in with a lot of trouble; and then
starts to possibly become confused and unstable mentally due to the technical
elements explained above. Also, the major character going by the name of Jason
is represented as a hard headed tough guy with a lot to say. This character is
useful into connoting and representing the genre because he adds dramatic
action codes and causes conflict a lot.
A dominant ideology,
which is clear in the opening sequence, is in fact the element of ‘a tooth for a
tooth’ or ‘an eye for an eye’. The sense for revenge denoted in the opening
sequence is represented through a major character shouting, “You grass” and
“grass”! Subsequently smacking up the guy under the name of revenge. This
dominant ideology links in with Tzvetlan Todorov’s Narrative Structure theory
because the theory suggests that all stories follow a similar structure and
starts with an equilibrium. The equilibrium is connoted at the start of the
opening sequence of Essex Boys as unanswered questions are all portrayed, a
long with a possible narrative has come to light through the use of the
embedding of codes.
The genre of
this opening sequence is clearly signified through the embedding of codes and
specific aspects within the mis-en-scene. First of, the opening sequence
suggests its a gritty British drama based on real life events, similar to my
opening sequence on how it is based on a true story and the fact that my
opening sequence contains violence. The embedding of codes is extremely useful
into telling what the genre could be, it allows audiences to connect and think
about the media text they’re visualising. The example of action and semantic
codes is the major character – Jason – conducting a fight scene and wearing a
bright Black and Gold shirt. This links in with the mis-en-scene and
subsequently costumes for the characters that don’t only represent their
personalities but also the genre itself. Moreover, the colours and locations
used aren’t all vibrant and brilliant; in fact it is not quite lively –
connoting the darker side to the opening sequence. Therefore, signifying the
genre it is based upon. It is based on real life events because it mentions it
within the title credits, but also due to the concept of a voice over included
does bring that certain realism element that does suggest it is based on a true
story.
There are
some noticeable generic conventions within this opening sequence, for example:
it engages the active audience due to the fact that the action codes
implemented capture the audience’s attention. For instance: an action element
of a major character beating a minor character up signifies possible
disagreements in the future of the narrative. Therefore, this is a conventional
element of an opening sequence and has been incorporated for the desired effect;
which is to engage the audience and encourage them to carry on watching. On the
other hand, a generic opening sequence convention that is conventionally
established in these types of genres is potentially a flashback. A flashback
reflecting what may have happened that has resulted in the major character,
known as Jason, inflicting revenge on a minor character. Considering it is
based on true events, a flashback would of been helpful to gain a better
understanding of what has happened in the past in order to gain more of an
insight into the film, resulting in the audience being intrigued by the
storyline. The director (Terry Winsor) has subsequently not done this and is in
fact an anomaly within the generic convention boundaries of this particular
genre. Accordingly, this opening sequence has a mixture of non-conventional
elements and generic aspects.
The audience
reception is crucial on how they view this sequence and could be the key to the
success of the movie. The opening sequence would appeal to a specific target
audience who wished to be entertained. It is extremely important that the
sequence is engaging for the audience in order to capture their interests and
spark their thoughts regarding the film. The engagement aspect is achieved through
various technical elements, for instance: the editing techniques when conflict
occurs expresses a fast-paced, tension-building and dramatic aspect which in
turn engages the target audience. Also, this does indeed link in with Blumler
& Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory which suggests that audiences use
media for different reasons. They think audiences are active and that the media
fulfils a certain ‘function’ for audiences. In this case, the ‘function’ behind
this opening sequence is entertainment due to the fact that it is most
engaging.
The body
responsible for producing this film (Jeff Pope) indicated possible narratives
within the first minutes of the opening sequence in order to entice active
audiences. Potential narratives were signified through the use of the embedment
of enigma codes, for example: the major character ‘Jason’ severely beating up a
minor character for no immediate reason – later becomes clear – signifies
enigma coded elements; such as, what happened? Was it that bad? Who is Jason
out for revenge next? Therefore, possible narratives have been signified
through the use of enigma codes.
Unfortunately I was not able to find a clip of just the opening sequence.
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