Week 1: Science Fiction Film Openings

     As I said last time, in this post we'll be taking a look at a few science fiction film openings to get an idea of what we'll be doing for our portfolio project.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

     The opening of Blade Runner 2049 does a great job at establishing the setting of the film.  In the text at the beginning, it is established that humanity now lives on different planets, that they have developed advanced machines called "replicants" which have gone under a variety of changes, that the environment is in shambles, and that industrialism and companies play an important role in society.  Along establishing the setting, the opening alludes to the film's conflict, establishing that older, defunct synthetic models are hunted down by people called "Blade Runners".  Since "Blade Runner" is the name of the film, it can be assumed that the story will likely revolve around someone who is hunting replicants.  The flyover establishing shot that makes up much of the second half of the opening also establishes that solar power is much more prominent than it is today, suggesting how technology has advanced since the present time we live in.

Avatar (2009)

     Avatar's opening serves to introduce the main protagonist and the setting he finds himself in.  We learn three things about him: that he was crippled while serving in the marines, he has dreams about flying over a jungle, and he is defiant in the face of cruelty or injustice.  Several details are also revealed about the setting of the film in this scene.  Technology has advanced greatly with holograms being commonly used and interplanetary space travel being alluded to as something that is available.  Medical science is now capable of healing spinal injuries, but getting such a treatment is apparently very expensive.  It is also implied that there is a great deal of economic inequality as simple things like coffee at the VA's office are extremely expensive, so that may be a factor in motivating the actions of our protagonists or any other characters that we are introduced to later on.

Alien (1979)

     For the last opening we'll be looking at today, we have the classic sci-fi horror film "Alien".  Alien's opening scene does a good job at establishing the film's tone and setting.  While the camera switches around to various shots of the exterior and interior of the spaceship, establishing the level of technological development and the location most of the film will take place in, the most notable feature of the scene is the sound design.  Or, to be more accurate, the lack of sound.  Most of the scene is almost completely silent, creating a very eerie and mysterious tone.  The only sounds in the scene come from the quiet rumbling of the ship and beeping from the computers booting up.  It's all very unnerving, which is why it does such a good job setting up the tone to expect from the rest of the film.

     Next time, we'll start getting more in-depth into the research and pre-production process for our short film opening.  See you then!