Film Opening Research #2 - Shrek

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

During the opening sequences to the film, there is a total of 5 titles displayed, four of the voice actors and the first being the movie title.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

In the opening sequence, there is a total of three different scenes. At first, it opens to images of a storybook and the main character, Shrek is what we're told is his name, reading. It then cuts to several scenes of Shrek, the green large ogre, going through what can be assumed to be normal everyday activities for him. This includes bathing in mud, brushing his teeth with slug slime, and painting a warning sign. The camera then cuts to a group of villagers huddled together, preparing to take on the supposed 'Shrek', although the audience is never told whether or not this is his real or full name.

What connotations do the images carry?

All these images establish a somewhat uncomfortable feeling for the viewer. The storybook allows a bit of a fantasy feel, although is quickly interrupted by societal oddities. Although the actions 'Shrek' does are things most people hopefully do, they are strange in the mediums used to conduct such actions. This includes mud for water, slime for toothpaste, and a warning sign instead of a landscape painting. This gives the audience slight amusement and discomfort. The villagers huddling instead introduces a more aggressive and hushed mood, translating to a sense of confusion and suspense for the audience.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The Fantasy genre is mostly reinforced through technical codes, such as the appearance of the main character and the overall look of the setting. Fantasy is easily shown by 'Shrek's' appearance, being green, inhumanly large, and with strange ear-like antennae. The setting is rather shabby, and could be constructed in real life, but can be seen as fantastic or of another world due to how the house is built from grass, dirt, and wood. Symbolic codes can be seen in 'Shrek's' actions. As he tears a page from the storybook, talking about true love and a damsel in distress, he laughs and suggests that such an event would be unlikely. This suggests that 'Shrek' is alone and finds bitter humor in such fairytales.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The film establishes an enigma from the outset by introducing the unfriendly green ogre 'Shrek'. He is not seen as a very threatening beast in the beginning, but rather is shown to be rather normal in his approach to everyday life. However, once the scene switches to the villagers planning to rid the land of the 'hideous' ogre, it causes the audience to question how harmless 'Shrek' really is, or at the very least wonder what he did.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience. teens and children primarily are enforcing common genre stereotypes and introducing 'Shrek'. This film focuses on Fantasy and comedy, which can be seen in 'Shrek' and the villagers. The ogre himself is an example of fantasy, as his appearance is unrealistic without a certain amount of paint or makeup. Comedy can be seen in the villagers, as they quiver in fear before the ogre, some even dropping their weapons and shaking.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

Technology has been used effectively in the film opening by holding a multitude of transitions and sound. Each transition is a cut, always being followed by another brand new scene. However, the music is consistent throughout each transition. It only fades away when the villagers can be seen. establishing a playful mood with friendly music for 'Shrek' and slow, ominous music for the villagers.