After deciding that we wanted to do a court scene for the opening, I wanted to research some movies that have to with the Court system for some inspiration.
I came across the film opening for "...and Justice for All" and noticed that they had signs that involved the court. Such as, "Private, Judges Chamber" and "Quiet, Court in Session" to establish that this movie was going to be a dramatic courtroom movie. These images set the tone for the whole movie, and I think that this might be one of the ways we can show what this film is about.
I also decided to look up "12 Angry Men" which stated off with an upward pan of the outside of the building. Images of the inside of the building were shown after and then the court room was seen giving the audience a visual of the environment that the characters are in.
Throughout the opening we hear people speaking, then we see the Judge as he says "and you?" instantly quieting the characters in the film, drawing them into the scene in front of them.
For our film opening, I would love to rely more on visuals to inform the audience on what the film is about and cause suspense in the viewers. I hope to have a strong opening line that instantly brings the audience in and leaves them interested for more.
Both these films thought of ways to make the purpose of their film known and cause mystery at the same time. For dramatic courtroom movies mystery is a MUST, everything can't be revealed at once. By leaving the audience confused but intrigued, it keeps them interested in the film.
