Comedy film opening- research for main task.

I have chosen these following comedy openings because there are many aspects that I find very interesting and would like to try for our main task.

 

Opening credits from Austin Powers - Goldmember.

Even though this is a comedy opening, at first it seems to be an action film opening as it has fast pace music, quick jump cuts and close-up shots of the protagonist being run down by the helicopter or antagonist. It is not until 0:34 were the comedy begins to be dropped in with mise-en-scene such as the Union Jack Jaguar with the number plate 'SHAGUAR' and the very 60s style clothing of the main character.

The main comedic part of the opening is at 1:49 when the characters are portrayed by very well known actors such as Tom Cruise as Austin Powers and Danny Devito as Mini Me. This is very comedic as the viewers instantly know that these are not the actual actors for the roles and it is almost as if the beginning scene was ultimately there to trick the viewer.

I am really interested in how the titles appear next to the 'fake' actors, telling you there real name and character name and i would like to try this with our main task.

 

Opening credits from Johnny English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDrIGdCMwT4

I have looked at this film opening because I like the way that the transition from one shot to the next is used by a dip into the two colours that are constantly on the screen. The comedic effect is instantly put in at 0:08 with the protagonist Johnny English strangling a coat rack. 

The overall sound for this is non-diegetic with the sound track sometimes being over layed with dialogue from Johnny English. I like this idea of focusing on the music for the opening and would like to try it for our main task.

Through out the opening Johnny English goes through very funny situations that hint to the viewers that he is some sort of spy. The titles wipe in at different areas of the screen but do not distract you from the main action.