Opening Scenes Analysis.

Researching into an unfamiliar film helps me research deeper into the content, and thoroughly analyse everything that has been created. I decided to research into the opening scene of the film 'Snatch' as it is a film that I would not normally watch.

(Contains expletives.)

SYNOPSIS.

Snatch has two intertwined plots - one dealing with the search of a missing diamond, the other with a small time boxing promotor who finds himself under the thumb of a psychotic gangster. An attempt is then made to cover the robbery up, so that the Americans do not find out that Russia was involved in it. A mixture of gambling and boxing take place throughout the film, along with match fixing and violence to get what it is needed.

TITLES.

Scene opens with a black screen with a white bold font over the top listing the production companies in the opening title sequence. The opening credits appear over the top of the action that is happening in the background. In the background the handling of a diamond can be seen, and with that the word 'Snatch' in the same white font is placed over the top of a close up shot of the same diamond.

CAMERA ANGLES.

Opens with an interview format, with the main character Turkish talking directly to the screen as if there is someone in front of him out of shot. He continues with a monologue (voice over) explaining who he is, and his job. As well as his friend who is sat next to him. He then goes on to mention diamonds, which links to the rest of the opening scene and the whole of the overall film. This action sequence continues to include close ups of the main characters mid action. On each character close up, the action pauses for a second and their names appear corresponding to who is on the screen at that moment. The font is the same as from the start.

After this it cuts to close up shots of many CCTV screens and characters can be seen talking/moving within the screens. The panning of the camera matches the direction that the characters on screen are moving to. EG - the characters go up in a lift and the camera pans upwards to the screens above.

The close up and freeze frames of the main characters happens after this action and robbery of the diamond has happened. Linking to what Turkish was saying at the beginning, about "what does he know about diamonds?" This introduces the characters to the viewer easily before the storyline.

LIGHTING AND SOUND.

The scene begins with a voice over made by the main character, Turkish, making introductions to himself and his best friend who is also on screen. You can tell that the speech is a voice over as it can be heard, yet Turkish is shown simply looking at the screen, lips not moving. There is dark lighting as they are in an underground or dark interview room.

When it cuts to the CCTV scene, the lighting cuts to bright black and white which matches the usual CCTV system format. The characters moving within the CCTV screens are also dressed all in black and white to match the lighting. All of those characters are heard to be in discussion as the move from camera to camera depending on the direction of their journey.

An accent can be clearly heard. (Russian)

MISE EN SCENE.

At first there is two main characters sitting side by side in darkened surroundings. They are both dressed in suits as if they have come to be there after a meeting somewhere else. After this when it cuts to the CCTV scene, close up shots allowed the audience to view everything that is happening within the individual CCTV screens. The camera pans in the direction that the characters are moving.

REPRESENTATION.

Snatch is a film created by Guy Ritchie, who is well known for his 'gangster' and action type films. So this film would appeal to an audience who liked that genre, or if they like any of the actors/actresses involved.

Guy Ritchie's trademarks often are;

• Frequent use of humour in violent scenes.
  
• Often works with Jason Statham.
• numerous different plots that assist in each others play offs.
• frequently uses high speed photography in action scenes.

So all of the above, would appeal to the set representational group.