Inception Opening Sequence Analysis

To help me decide on what I need to include when we create our own opening sequence we have decided to watch existing films opening sequences and title sequences. This will be useful as it gives us an insight into the codes and conventions of title and opening sequences and also gives us an opportunity to explore further existing films already existing in the thriller genre.

Inception opening sequence:


The opening sequence of 'Inception' uses the immediate close-up of the actor Leonardo DiCaprio to generate instant credibility to the audience. not only can the pre-existing mass audience of people with psychopathic of Leonardo DiCaprio films but his presence also instantly suggests an action narrative. This is appealing to the primary target audience of males aged between 15 and 25 years old. They may have interests in typical thriller genres that contain violence, chase sequences and confrontation, all of which are later denoted in the opening sequence. This also appeals to the narrative theory that the audience appeal to what they know and can predict.

Furthermore, the cut to the room in which we meet the villain in terms of Props character theory appeals to the audience. He is presented as a villain though the use of high low angled shots of him sat at the table suggesting his power and the long shots used to connote that the audience don't have an intimate insight into his real personality and should therefore stay away. The villain is sat at a mirrored table, consistent with the rest of the mirrored surfaced props. This denotation of the blurred reflected image of him therefore connotes that what we see might not necessarily be a true reflection of his personality. This links to the narrative plot suggesting that he will be the villain that leo, the hero, will have to fight so reveal his intentions. As well as this, the fact the villain is surrounded by body guards, whose faces aren't revealed suggesting inferiority, suggests he has something to hide. Exploring the minds motif suggests a vulnerability. This is backed up through the fast paced transitions between the next shot symbolising moving through depths of this mans subconscious.

This theme of secrecy is also continued through the diegetic dialogue. The villain says 'I will consider your proposal'; however, this is shown through a long shot suggesting you cant trust him. This is followed by him turning his back on the camera having a symbolic connotation of lack of loyalty, as he leaves into a bustling room. This suggests he is disappearing into the unknown and makes the audience question his intentions and also see how vulnerable the other characters are as they are in a location of unfamiliarity.

On the other hand; Leonardo decaprio, appeals to the audience as he appeals to the stereotype of 'tall dark and handsome' of which women appeal to. His confidence adds to his attraction shown through the forwards posture.This creates a secondary target audience of female aspirers who aim to have a handsome and rich husband (connoted by the tuxedo and luxurious locations).  However, this could also create the alternate view from women that they deem it offensive for the hero to be played by a strong male as it suggests women are materialistic, appealing o the dominant hegemony.

The ct to the scene of the car on fire continues to appeal to the audience. The denotation of the explosion connotes there will be danger and and violence throughout the narrative. This is appealing to aspirers as we have already been introduced to the male hero so they appeal to the male representation as an honourable hero. This means they can infer the hero will 'save the day'.

The further use of the costume continues to appeal to the audience. The introduction of the female princess (as suggested by props character theory) is important.the fact she is wearing a black cloaked hood can connote mystery and death. This is continued by the dialogue. 'if i jump will i die?'. This suggests she is not to be trusted and is a danger to the mission and to Leo himself. However, in the next scene she removes her cloak to reveal her shoulders and a more revealed side to her. This suggests he knows her on an intimate level. He continues to say 'i don't trust you Mal.' The use of the nickname suggest they have a history and there is love between them. Symbolically she seems to represent his inner desires and needs. This can infer the narrative suggesting she is the object withing his own subconscious he will have to overcome. this appeals to the members of the audience who enjoy a romance sub plot.

Finally the use of props appeals to the audience. The use of the envelope and the reference to the 'safe' have a symbolic meaning creating a motif of secrecy. This suggests to the audience there are secrets and aspects of the characters and previous narrative that they don't yet know but will slowly be unopened. Furthermore, the use of the guns and weapons introduced in parallel to the non diegetic sound track appeals to the young male audience who enjoy the thrill of a chase. The fact he is running up a flight of stairs and the camera is tracking him can also symbolise his own personal journey through his subconscious. It suggests he is navigating through it as if he has a final mission of his own. However, this can also create the representational issue that gun crime and chases are considered 'cool' and are being represented as something that is socially acceptable as it is shown in a positive way that celebrates Leos bravery. This conforms to the hypodermic syringe theory, encouraging the target audience to conform to gun crime.

How will this help me?
This research is useful to me to use in my final product. From this opening sequence i have specifically learnt the importance of semiotics for foreshadowing narratives. Also the initial representation of characters when creating first opinions as the way they are represented and portrayed can alter the audiences relationship with them from the outset. For example if you represent a hero with a negative undertone or negative suspicion towards them, you have created unwanted doubt towards them when that is not your intention. This could potentially alter the audiences expectations of the narrative and characters which will therefore leave them disappointed when they are not fulfilled as you incorrectly represented a character.