Opening Sequence Analysis - Never Back Down

Never Back Down – opening sequence analysis.

‘Never Back down’ presents a lot of action codes in the opening sequence, for example: one of these action codes are the extremely rough tackles taken place by protagonist ‘Jake Tyler’ and signifies what may happen next in the narrative; the code helps the audience predict that in the future of the film and fight may break out – that’s exactly what happens! This therefore relates to Roland Barthes code theory because it the film represents some action codes that are described by this particular theory. Furthermore, the fact that a fight broke out can potentially link in with Tzvetlan Todorov’s Narrative structure theory whereby a certain piece of media text starts with an equilibrium and goes through the process of disruption, battle of resolution and then a new equilibrium; in order to add to the plot and enigma of the narrative. Regarding this specific opening sequence, the equilibrium is the football game but almost instantly and spontaneously, this rapidly morphs into the disruption aspect of the theory and a huge fight breaks out on the pitch. Accordingly, this relates to Todorov’s theory because it aids the structure of the narrative and ‘Never Back Down’ portrays these aspects of the theory.  

The scene starts from the perspective of camera footage featuring the game. This in fact demonstrates an audience’s point of view for the viewer and therefore the active audience can relate to this particular mis-en-scene because it enables a duel perspective as the camera pulls out to a wide shot and gives the audience an idea of the surroundings and therefore the shot turns into an established shot.

The long shot of the stadium signifies the representation of distance between the two teams playing on the pitch. Distance in this sense isn’t that they’re far away from each other (because they’re not) but instead both teams are battling away for different goals. Both teams represent different ideologies and in fact in that sense, the teams couldn’t be more further away from each other. Also, the birds-eye-view shot of the fight breaking out echoes the effect and puts into proportion of how competitive these characters actually are.

The camera movement is very shaky because it is emphasising a sense of realism due to the fact that it is probably what the characters are experiencing and the target audience can almost relate to this through the camera movement.

The close up shot of the protagonists face through the perspective of an opponents mask connotes that when it comes to the subject of his dad he feels guilty, trapped or some form of remorse regarding this sensitive topic. Reason for this is because an opponent says, “it’s too bad about your old man” and ends up expressing his aggression on him.  

The quite miserable mood of the scene - due to the fight as the scene progresses – is reflected through the whether because it is raining. This is called ‘pathetic fallacy’ and is a good method of engaging the active audience because it captures their emotions by informing the demographic of the mood the film is connoting; this mood is the fairly intense and dramatic, suggesting a stormy environment like something bad is going to happen. This element of foreshadowing signifies that a fight may break out due to the rivalry and their competitive nature.

There are some moments of jump cut editing in order to connote the intensity of the moment. This particular editing technique is often used to connote a sense of disorientation for either the viewer or the character. In this case, it’s the character because a fight scene breaks out. Although, this could potentially disorientate the viewer as well in order for the audience to receive the emotions that the characters are feeling due to this massive fight. In addition the editing is extremely fast – paced, again give the audience a sense of intensity throughout the scene.

This opening sequence is fairly fast – paced thus the minimal or no use of editing transitions because they almost slow down the pace of the film and that is not what the director (Jeff Wadlow) wants for the movie. Also, neither are there special effects or super imposed graphics, the opening sequence is connoted as a almost gritty and raw piece of media text that links nicely with the genre of this film.

The mis-en-scene is an important element concerning the representation of this film and opening sequence. The colour of the opening sequence is very dull and colourless connoting the abrasive nature of the opening film and movie as a whole. This appeals to a specific target audience who enjoys themes like fighting and a rough sort of element. Also, all the characters are in generic costumes to the theme presented, the players all in full suits related to American Football, the referee is in a typical ref outfit and all the fans briefly showed are in normal clothes. This signifies the genre that the film is about American Football. In addition, the only noticeable prop used is the football featured in the game. Facial expressions are a clever use of representing characters in a certain way, for instance: this facial expression connotes how serious and important this game means to him because it signifies the determination behind the mask. Furthermore, the location is a generic, low-league football pitch with few supporter stands and with fairly muddy grass. The location really reflects the atmosphere of the opening sequence, which is the dramatic element of competition.

Within the mis-en-scene, the 180-degree rule has been broken when performing tackles; the effect of this is to reflect the feelings of the character when this tackle takes place. It is obvious that after a tackle like this you are bound to be disorientated and this is exactly what the director is trying to achieve and disorientate the audience at the same time in order to get the audience to try and understand how the tackle must of felt.

Sound is often overlooked but every detail counts when creating a scene like this in order to build suspense and tension. Non-diegetic sound is featured in the opening sequence, which sets and builds the atmosphere surrounding the game. The soft use of electric guitars and the sudden use drums signifies the power and tension the game represents. Asynchronous sound is a characteristic because the non-diegetic sound itself doesn’t actually match up with the visuals and therefore adds to the effect of disorientation for the audience. Also, the sound effect of the rain splashing and hitting the ground is apparent, again building the atmosphere for the target audience. Continuing on the subject of sound effects, the refs whistle is blown a couple of times, again for the purpose of building up the atmosphere for the audience. In addition, the commentator is providing a voice over of the game, which is a generic convention of any competitive football match and connotes the genre in which it describes. Furthermore, the last aspect of the sound is the dialogue used; there is minimal dialogue conducted but effective. It is all about the tension of the game but in a way dialogue sort of breaks this tension and that is why only three lines of dialogue are used. An example of this would be, “you want some of this bitch?” the use of taboo language connotes the rising tension that has been set by not only the technical elements explained above but also the game itself due to the competitive edge that the American footballers are expressing. Ultimately, the sound for the opening sequence is crucial in setting the atmosphere for not only the characters but also the audience.

The protagonist is represented as a determined, will – powered character through the use of various techniques. The explosion of the tackles executed (connoted in the mis-en-scene) along with the fast paced editing, hand-held camera movement and non-diegetic sound builds the atmosphere surrounding the opening sequence in such a way that it connotes the thrilling, intense and spontaneous moment the audience receive concerning the atmosphere in the room. However, it’s not all magnificent for some minor characters as they are almost and potentially emasculated through some tackles that are put upon them. This damages their egos and is denoted as ‘weak’. A stereotypical man cares about his ego, especially football players, therefore these minor characters could be considered as going through the process of emasculation. There is a variation of representation when it comes to minor and major characters, which in turn adds enigma codes to the narrative for the audience to think about. What will happen to them next?

During this opening sequence there is one ideology that is present throughout the sequence; the competition aspect of this opening sequence could be considered an ideology. Human condition shows behavioural characteristics that demonstrate a competitive nature. This was born out of our primeval desire for survival and to be ‘king of the jungle’. In fact this is deep in our physiological and psychological make up of our character. The element of competition has been a tradition throughout the years in human history and does indeed link with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. This theory is appropriate because while competing and being successful it enhances and boosts a persons self esteem and potentially self actualisation – baring in mind that these aspects are part of Maslow’s theory and are high in the hierarchy. Therefore, the human competitive nature represented in the opening sequence could be considered an ideology of some form.

There are some generic conventional elements that have been included in this opening sequence through the use of enigma codes. These enigma codes grab the target audience’s attention immediately and really intensify the atmosphere. Straight away the audience are engaged to the opening sequence through the use of Roland Barthes Code Theory. An example of an enigma code within the opening sequence could be denoted through the use of dialogue. A minor character says to Jake Tyler (protagonist), “it’s too bad about your old man” and suddenly there is a half attempt of flashback as a sudden, blinding white effect appears on screen for a split second; almost like there is something that the audience doesn’t know about yet. This effect of a half flashback entices the audiences through the possibility of enigma codes along the narrative structure of the opening sequence’s progressing storyline.  Accordingly, a conventional element used in the opening sequence is are the potential enigma codes that are connoted within the opening sequence.

The genre of the film is signified through the opening sequence by incorporating and the embedment of codes, such as: location, props, colour, character types etc. The location is a key aspect when signifying the genre and has obviously had a long thought process put into where the opening sequence is set. Of course a location recce would have had to occur in order to gain an insight of what the crew are working with. That fact that it is set on a muddy, gritty and probably low – league pitch connotes the film is going to produce a lot of drama because conventionally if an area is poor in comparison to other locations then it is more than likely that something bad or dramatic is going to happen. This is a stereotypical view based on the diverse social classes within our country. A conventional belief is that if you come from a poor background then you’re more likely to commit a crime etc. However, an upper-class upbringing would result in an optimistic future. This is the same representation used when deciding on what may happen next given the location. The props and colours included within the mis-en-scene are quite rough and again, the term ‘gritty’ describes it very well. Also, there is a hint of a character type of the protagonist in the opening sequence. This links well with Vladimir Propp’s character types theory as the protagonist could be represented as a ‘hero’ due to his strong determination and sense of awareness. This is signified through the tackles performed on the other team. Ultimately, the genre of this opening sequence could be a ‘tenacious action drama’. Reason behind this is because it is apparent that the film will consist of loads of drama and action that portrays the protagonist as a determined young adult getting through life his way in the world. Possibly, this could relate to a lot of the audience – hence why what genre it is.

The audience reception is key and must be engaging. Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory suggests that audience’s watching this media text would be looking for a function to fulfil their appetite for films. This opening sequence definitely provides the audience with an entertainment function due to the fact that it is engaging to watch. In addition, audiences may be searching for identification that is also linked with the Uses & Gratifications theory. This is because; potentially some of the target audience can really sympathise, empathise and relate to the protagonist.

Within the first two minutes of any film, narrative is signified through visual iconography and technical elements as explained above. The institution has included enigmas of the storyline and possible narratives, for example: the dialogue referring to the protagonist’s dad may introduce itself to be a huge narrative and provide the storyline with a range of enigmas. The signs that are behind this flashback are the use of the white effect on screen that hints to a past and a future of this particular narrative.