Mise-en-scene

The use of colourful clothing added a vibrant glamorous sense to the opening scene. It was also purposely done to suit the target audience, as the younger target audience would look up to the characters in this film and aspire to be like them

The interior was purposely vibrant to add a more enjoyable sense to the opening scene as everything in the frame grabs the audiences eyes and draws the towards it. This adds attention to detail as everything in the frame had a meaning behind it.

Make up was used quite heavily in the opening scene. This was done to make a glossy appeal. It also added to the sense that everything had to be perfect at the party that was occurring. Also, have time and preparation went into it.

We seen an envelope that has the name ‘Elle’ written on it. This gives an insight into who the main antagonist is throughout the film. By the envelope being decorated, it shows how time and effort went into the making of it, we gives an insight into her importance or popularity.

Camerawork

Throughout the opening sequence there is a constant use of high key lighting. This gives an indication that the film is enjoyable as well as amusing. Towards the middle of the opening scene a point of view shot is used. This was done as the girl cycling past glanced at the boys. From this, all the boys began to stop and stare as she cycled past. This gives an indication that she is popular in the area, and how she may also be the main antagonist throughout the film. A dolly is used whereas the girl is cycling on her bike, this was simply done to track where the girl was going. Later on in the clip an over the shoulder shot is used. This showed all cheerleaders dancing around, this showed how time and effort went into the making of the party. Furthermore, a high angle was used as the girl went upstairs with the letter. This gave an insight into the interior design of the house. From the high angle, we could see a chandelier and a majestic staircase. This shows how the house that the opening scene is being shot in is expensive and luxurious. Additionally, a focus pull was used on the banner stating ‘Homecoming Queen’. This shows how the party being held was for a regathering for the main antagonist. It also shows how the ’queen’ coming back must be important and of high popularity within the area, as throughout the opening scene it is clear hundreds of people are all there just for her.

Editing

An eye line match is used as the girl looks at the boys as she is cycling past. Once she does this all the boys begin to stare and wave at her. This gives a clear indication that she is popular and a huge attraction. This could also show how she may be the main antagonist due to her high popularity. Later on in the clip, a long take is used when the women hands over the letter, this show how the letter is of importance as throughout the entire opening sequence the letter is the main center of attention. Furthermore, a slow mo was used once a girl received the letter. This was used to suit the atmosphere so that the audience could take everything into detail. Following on from this another slow mo edit was used when we see cheerleaders jumping up and down. This was purposely done to suit the atmosphere, it synced in will with the music and lighting as well as the overall tone of the scene. It was also purposely done for attention to detail, so that the audience would take everything in for a couple of seconds from it it would return to normal speed.

Sound

Throughout the film a soundtrack is used, this was done to suit the atmosphere, and to create a sense that nothing can go wrong. This would appeal to the young target audience as it is catchy and meaningless. Furthermore, the use of ambient sound in the background was used to show the sudden dialogue between characters. For example, when the cheerleaders were jumping up and down we could hear the chanting in the background. Also, there was non-diegetic sound playing over the opening sequence such as the soundtrack and other music used

Characters/what we learn

Main antagonist is Elle

Main antagonist is having a house party for their homecoming, as we see a banner state ‘homecoming queen’ in the opening sequence

Main antagonist is loved and popular in the local area

Questions posed

• Where is this held?

• Why are there so many people?

• Who is Elle?

• Whose has is it?

• Who is the ‘Homecoming Queen’?