LT WL 184 FILM STUDIES: OPENING SEQUENCES Spring 2007
The structure of films offers viewers a narrative structure that, regardless of what might take place within the film’s visual narrative, is also dictated by the nature of the medium itself. A consecutive series of frames would seem to suggest an unequivocal sense of linearity. A sequence constructs a logical unit of meaning. The visual and narrative continuity of the sequences forms what might be considered episodes or chapters, much like in a book. Each sequence is composed in turn of scenes that might vary in length. It is generally accepted that a Hollywood type feature film in made up of an average of 23 or 24 sequences, while most European films are of 11 to 18 sequences.
While we will generally look at the “sequence” as a unit of meaning, our focus during this course will be on the opening sequence of films. One of the accepted functions of an opening sequence is to establish shots to orient spectators through the full length of the film. Sometimes this first sequence can be a film in itself. All the signifying factors of the feature are contained within the sequence. The effect of the opening should be to pull the viewer in, to make the decision of having chosen a particular movie seem justified. The opening sequence is meant to captivate the audience to the point of creating a full out and out identification with some element of the film. The point is to open an ever-widening set of corridors to envelop the viewer in their atmosphere and convey us through the film, toward its conclusion. So, in another sense, the opening sequence is already a conclusive statement regarding whatever argument the film seeks to represent.
A good opening sequence is not always indicative of a good film; good films are not always introduced by good opening sequences…but a good opening sequence is a rewarding find.
The class will consist of readings, discussions, presentations and viewing sessions of opening sequences from a number of films. I would like for us to work in groups each of which will be responsible for the presentation of readings and opening sequences. I will begin by establishing a format that might suggest how each group might approach its presentations. Therefore, I will take the first five weeks and follow the structure below; your groups will continue the course for the second half of the quarter in a similar manner:
Mondays: Presentation of Weekly Reading Assignment
Wednesday: Presentation of an Opening Sequence and reading of the sequence
Friday: Discussion of both led by group and involving class in general
Of course, everyone in the class will be responsible for having read the material and participating in the presentations by asking questions, clarifying terms, etc.
The grading for the course will be as follows:
Presentation of Weekly Reading 20%
Presentation of Opening Sequence 20%
One 5 page mid-term paper on one of the articles 25%
One 5 page final paper on an opening sequence 25%
Participation/Attendance 10%
READING SCHEDULE
Week 1 Said
Week 2 Benjamin
Week 3 Berger
Week 4 Eco
Week 5 Scholes
Week 6 Barthes
Week 7 Eisenstein
Week 8 Balaz
Week 9 Bazin
Week 10 Pasolini
