Comedy film openings analysis- the first 2 minutes

Comedy film openings analysis- the first 2 minutes

I felt it was a useful excise to analyse some comedies before deciding the sub-genre of the film I'm going to produce.

Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie (1996)

Genre/plot

Slapstick comedy – that focuses on the main character’s inability to perform easy and everyday tasks thus resulting in chaos. The film relies extensively on body language, gestures and facial expressions as the main character does not often speak therefore embedding the film with a universal appeal.

Representation

The opening of this film almost immediately captures the main character’s childish personality. This is effectively achieved through the actors over exaggerated portrayal of the protagonist which is overwhelmingly emphasized to the point where it could even be considered a caricature. The highly bizarre and illogical mind state of Mr. Bean is further illustrated when to attempts to solve his problem of not having a cup to make his coffee by just placing the ingredients directly into his mouth - clearly comical.

The film’s opening embodies a powerful contrast between the protagonist and his employers. His employers are presented as upper class alienating entities whereas Mr. Bean is portrayed as a man child- masterfully conveying that the protagonist is unique and different from society.

Mis-en-scene

The film begins with a close up after which Mr Bean is seen in his messy kitchen where the table is cluttered with various jars which helps denote the protagonist’s unorganized lifestyle.

Whereas the mis-en-scene communicated in the scenes with Mr. Bean’s employers is tidy and bisness- like denoting their superior status and dominance. The dominance of Mr. Bean’s employers is further denoted in the distinctions between costumes.

Although Mr. Bean’s employers have smarter suites it could be argued that their suits lack charisma and individuality- they are sheep.

Lighting

The lighting used for the protagonist is brighter and more cheerful therefore instantly establishing Mr. Bean as a likeable character. I also believe the use of lighting is reflective of the protagonist’s positive nature.

In sharp contrast the lighting used for Mr. Bean’s employers is darker and creates a boring atmosphere thus capturing their boring personalities.

Sound

Diegetic – Mr. Bean is the only character that does not speak dialogue but instead uses non-existent noises (hm) to express himself. Various sounds are also made by objects.

Non-diegestic- the film begins with a score which perfectly conveys the mood and personality of the protagonist. It is fast paced and therefore complementary of the chaotic nature of this film.

Titles

The simplicity of the titles which are displayed in block capitals connote Mr. Bean’s child-like mind. The fact that these titles are large means they cannot be ignored- mirroring the protagonist. It is also notable that these titles are printed in red which is seen as a traditional color for horror films thus connoting that the main character does not the traditional way of doing things also as innocent as he first appears.

Nothing to Lose (1997)

Genre/plot

Character driven situation comedy - Nick Beam is an advertising executive who thinks his life is going very well until he returns home from work and discovers that his wife is apparently having an affair with his boss leaving him the edge of a nervous breakdown.-things only escalate when carjacker tries to rob him...

Representation

At first the atmosphere is tense as the film begins with a close up of the protagonist having a serious discussion with his wife however this is later revealed to be a joke. This aids to establish the protagonist and his wife as a fun loving happy couple-calm before the storm...

Mis-en-scene

Initially not much is revealed as the film opens with tight shots involving dialogue. Later it is revealed the characters are in their bedroom creating a sense of intimacy. It is also worth noting that when the protagonist’s wife is speaking the audience can see orange flowers in the background thus connoting her femininity. Similarly the protagonist has a craved duck in the background of his shot which signifies his masculinity as carving and woodwork is stereotypically a masculine activity.

The couple’s bedroom is presented as a typical bedroom symbolizing they are everyday people.

Lighting

The opening has neutral lighting with the protagonist’s wife having brighter lighting which effortlessly conveys her beauty and feminism.

Sound

Diegetic- dialogue

Non-diegetic- a song plays after the audience’s realization that the serious conversation was actually a joke thus creating a fun and positive atmosphere.

Tittles

At this point in the movie the title has not yet appeared in the movie however when they do they are printed in a green sans serif font. I believe the curliness of the font indicates the crazy nature of the events in this film whereas I feel the choice of the colour green is quite ominous and perfectly symbolizes the confusion of the protagonist.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Genre/plot

Romantic comedy - The film follows the adventures of a group of friends through the eyes of Charles, an Englishman who is smitten by Carrie, an attractive American whom Charles repeatedly meets at weddings and at a funeral.

Representation

One by one each of the character is introduced, giving the audience a brief glimpse into their personalities. In this glimpse it is undeniably evident that the main protagonist is different from the other characters in the film. This is highlighted by the fact that he is still asleep whilst the others are up and enthusiastically getting ready.

Mis -en- scene

The mis-en-scene is effectively used as a device to establish class and character differences, for example Carrie has expensive furniture and a luxurious house thus denoting her higher social status and her regimented regime. Whereas the other character’s accommodations are more modest and chaotic which is denoted through cluttered surroundings that include clothes scattered about etc.

Lighting

The lighting is very consistent perhaps suggesting that although they are from different walks of life they are not all that different and their lives will intertwine.

Sound

Diegetic- dialogue, the protagonist’s alarm is ringing, eggs sizzling, etc.

Non- diegetic- A romantic song plays throughout the opening sequence. I feel this song helps to create a romantic atmosphere that is desired for a wedding.

Titles

The film opens with the title which is designed like an invitation thus preparing the audience for the events they will witness. In my opinion the flowers present in the title are symbolic as they could refer both to a wedding and a funeral therefore creating a sense of confusion. This is further enforced by the use of a partial wreath on the invitation.