Different types and styles of films open in different ways and this introduces the film to the viewer in certain ways. Children's films need to be enticing from the very first minute to ensure that they don't lose the focus of their young viewer.
Hercules (1997)
Hercules is a Disney cartoon film. Animated or cartoon movies use different ways to portray and introduce settings, characters and themes as they do not use real people and places.
Characters
In the first 3 minutes we are introduced to;
The Muse's, who are used as the narrators throughout the film sing their narrative bits and are known as the goddesses of Music and Arts.
Hercules, The main character, we hear about how much of a great hero he was.
Titans, the evil giants that roamed The Earth and cause havoc with tornados, volcanos, ice and other terrible things.
Zeus, the King of the Gods who locked away the Titans and is the father of Hercules.
Narrative
In the opening scene we are told of how great and heroic Hercules was. How he was the ultimate Hero. This gives the idea that it is going to be a film from his perspective as he goes from ‘zero to hero’. 5 female characters known as 'The Muse's' are the narrators throughout the film and they inform the viewer of important things by singing. This is easy for children to relate to and grabs their attention.
Genre Categorisation
Target Audience: Young children (although all ages can enjoy this film, it's my personal favourite Disney film!).
Emotions: Comedy, Romance, Family.
Theme: Greek Heroes and Legends, Adventure, Fitting In.
Techniques: Musical.
Costumes
All the characters 'costumes' (Because it's animation I’m not sure if you still call them costumes?) fit in with the time and environment so they're all wearing ancient Greek styled clothes and armour. Toga's.
Settings
The sets (again do you call them sets in cartoon films?) are all based on what we know of Ancient Greek civilisation. Typical for a children’s cartoon film with bright colours that captivate the audience.
Sound and Music
Bouncy upbeat music that grabs attention. Very child friendly. Was modern for the time (1997). Informative music.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a film adaptation of the novel of the same title by J.K. Rowling.
Characters
In the first 3 minutes we are introduced to;
Professor Dumbledore, a wise, eccentric and old wizard who is the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Professor McGonagall, another teacher from Hogwarts who has the ability to transform into a tabby cat.
Harry Potter, we see him first as a baby and we are told that he will be very famous. It is later revealed to Harry that he too is a wizard.
Hagrid, a half-giant and friend of Dumbledore’s. Keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts.
Narrative
The opening sequence’s narration is all about this baby boy and how he will be famous among the world of wizards. How he will have to suffer as he grows up with awful non magical folk. The story is told from the young Harry’s point of view and after he learns that he is a wizard the adventures that follow.
Genre Categorisation
Target Audience: Children of all ages but more targeted at older children (the audience for Potter does reach all ages though as many children that started watching the series are now adults and still love the films as well as adults).
Emotions: Family, Excitement, Thriller.
Theme: Magic, Adventure, Fantasy.
Techniques: None recognisable.
Costumes
The character’s we see in the opening sequence wear robes that look to fit their characters as witches and wizards. Hagrid’s larger clothes highlight his size and how he is a giant. All the colours and features appeal to a younger audience as they are interested in the odd and unique.
Settings
The set for the opening 3 minutes is a dark street. The set looks like an ordinary suburb street. The use of magic on the set (Dumbledore making all the street lamps go out) also fits with its genre’s and theme’s and grabs the attention of the audience. The dark lighting and mist makes it mysterious and exciting.
Sound and Music
Classical music is used. This music has a very magical feel to it and the main theme (known as Hedwig’s theme is quite upbeat, although still classical). No popular music or music recorded by bands is used in the film.
Both of these films are my own personal childhood favourites!
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