HW 2a - Existing Opening Sequence analysis

Grease Opening scene.

Grease is a essentially a musical hybrid as it also has aspects of a teen drama/ romantic comedy. The story takes place at a high school, yet the opening scene is showing the two main characters Sandy and Johnny during their summer holidays and summer romance, which sets the tone for the film.

 

Firstly, the production company is shown (Paramount), then the shot cuts straight into various views of the ocean at medium and long shots, as the sun sets which creates a romantic feel for the audience. This is then supported by the 'fairy-tale' themed music and the young couple skipping down the beach front. They are shown to both hug and kiss, whilst the music changes to a solo trumpet  often associated with 'intimate' scenes. The fades between the shots represent the fact that this is in fact a memory or flashback continuing as the couple interact- taking pictures etc. without dialogue and accompanied by non diegetic music. At 1.11 Sandy starts to speak about how hers and her 'lovers' summer is coming to an end giving the viewer an insight to the situation whilst the music saddens with a violin in the background (again non diegetic). after these events, the sequence cuts to an animation of a cartoons getting ready for school, as the radio plays (the lyrics in sync with their actions) and the credits show. Again, Paramount Pictures is the first credit possibly for legal reasons, then followed by the title 'Grease' and the production team, finally followed by the main characters, the rest of the production team and finally the director. The fact that the credits are in animation introduces the audience to the characters and a bit of context before the film starts, this is all accompanied by the song 'Grease is the Word'.

The first set of events are very linked as this portrays the teen romance whilst introducing the two main characters briefly. However the animated credits sequence is slightly linked to the first half of the opening scene, but not entirely. I believe the credits are separated from the previous situation mainly because they are animated, however they do introduce characters and locations further. In addition quite a lot of story information is revealed through the opening sequence to Grease as the main characters are introduced and the locations of many significant events to follow. Yet, all of this information is necessary as it is what the audience needs to know before diving into the whole film and its narrative without being confused.