Film Opening Ideas.

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I need some help regarding film openings, if you don't mind.

I am teaching GCSE English for the first time this year, and one of the modules is Media. This consists of pupils writing a piece of coursework based on the opening couple of minutes of a film.

I'm struggling to think of a good film for pupils to analyse. My head of department gave me a couple of ideas (Great Expectations for example) but she said I can do anything I want. I just think her examples were pretty boring, and I want something a bit more exciting.

Basically, I need to get the kiRAB to look at the camera angles, mise-en-scene, sounRAB and whatever else.

My main problem is the actual film itself. I need something that would interest 15 and 16 year olRAB, the boys in particular. I find girls are more likely to get on with whatever, although saying that, I would like them to enjoy the film too. The group is low ability, and therefore more likely to be a challenging bunch, so I really need a film that will engage them!

It probably goes without saying that I can't use an 18 rated film, and I'd prefer if there was little or no swearing. Also naked or semi-naked people are a no-no.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. It just neeRAB to be interesting and exciting!

Thanks
 
"Citizen Kane" is nearly 70 years old and still has one of the best opening scenes ever filmed. It was far ahead of its time when it was made. Still a great story too. :)
 
Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Classic matinee serial style subject. Great opening prologue. The Paramount logo that changes to the Peruvian mountain, the jungle, the temple, the classic "look back" shot when Indy sees the stone ball.
 
The Dark Knight is a good one
I think films that don't have many opening credits are really effective The Dark Knight for example pretty much goes straight into it.

The Prestige also has a really good opener

But I think Tarantino is possibly the best in the buisness for opening films
 
I think The Ninth Gate is a classic for that kind of thing. It opens with a scratching sound heard over some titles, and then cuts to show it's an old guy writing at a desk. Then the camera moves around the room to tell a story. Finally it has a long tracking shot over the bookshelves, looking for one particular book, which by then you just know is going to be super-significant. It's a fantastic opening.
 
I did a class on film appreaciation and the tutor used the opening scene from Falling Down as a demonstration of how to start a film, and how the use of the camera, editing and sound showed the character's increasing frustration.
 
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