Analysing title sequences - Johnny English reborn

Jonny English reborn title sequence analysis









Johnny English Reborn - Main Title Sequence from Fugitive Studios on Vimeo.
This is the opening title sequence for Johnny English reborn, this was our groups chosen sequence to analysis due to it being of the same genre of the film we are creating and also consists of all the codes and conventions of our genre for example the introduction of the protagonist who is represented in a comedic way and explosions etc.

The title sequence opens with an editing technique of split screening, which gives a sense of the protagonist’s lifestyle consisting of multiple events occurring at the same time, this effect remains consistent throughout most of the sequence. This gives an impression of the protagonist being organised, which meets the standards of the expectancies of a spy in a film of the action genre.

The font used replicates computer fonts, which is a key aspect to any spy film. The font gives a sense of the viewer having approved access into the characters life, a response is created by the audience by this as it creates an effect of being able to follow the character. The fact only the last name of the character is being portrayed gives a sense of mystery and shows the character has some authority which creates an enigma for the audience as they are intrigued to discover who he is. The fact the font is being displayed alongside an image of the Earth revels he is on a plane, thus the theme of traveling can be clearly identified.  The image of the Earth is holographic, which indicates to the audience that futuristic machinery will feature as iconography in the film, which is expected for a spy film thus the genre is indicated to the audience well through visual effects. The earth has a line which rushing up and down it creates an effect of scanning which portrays the character is hard to locate without professional expertise. This sets a stereotypical character profile for a spy as already in the title sequence alone the audience are getting a sense of the protagonist being unknown.

The protagonist can be seen casually walking out of a mass of explosions in slow motion; this slow motion effect is commonly seen in spy films due to making the character appear attractive and powerful to the viewer whilst appearing unbeatable and looking although he should be feared by villains. The way the character is walking indicates to the audience he has caused this explosion to happen and even though he is wearing black it is clear to see he is a good character as a sense of trust is created as he is causing destruction a good reason. Explosions, or CGI are a key code and convention for any action film, thus the film is also working to fulfil the audience’s expectations whilst allowing impression on the character to be created.

Another reason the audience are aware that this character is not an antagonist is from the use of upbeat music, with a positive feel to it. This music remains to have a positive effect throughout the whole sequence which creates an effect of the film ending in restoration. This also indicates a younger audience as the exuberant tone of the music is strongly suitable for a child. The music has a rather fast tempo which works in sync with the pace of the action being portrayed; this allows confirmation on the genre to be action/spy.

The character is dressed in a black tuxedo which shows he takes pride in his appearance but also reveals the film is set in the present in a formal and wealthier area. The colour black connotes mystery which creates an enigma for the audience as they constantly want to know more about this man. The costume choice of a tuxedo is an expectation for any spy film as it has become a large aspect of the protagonist’s appearance, for example James Bond wears almost identical attire.

The location of the film is revealed to be London, which suitable and expected for the film considering it is titled ‘Johnny English’. A city is considered a key element for most spy films thus by having London as the setting creates satisfaction for the viewer. The fact the location is reviewed on a holographic images which resembles a computer monitor, portrays that the journey is tracked revealed how well prepared the characters are in the film.

A close up shot is used to reveal the weapon of the character, the fact the gun is small creates an enigma for the audience as they question whether or not the character is small minded. The use of this prop indicates a humorous element to the film revealing comedy as a theme or a sub-genre. This duplicates the weapon of the famous spy Austin powers, who is known for humour so by interferencing Austin Powers it is immediately known to the audience that there will be a consistent amount of comedy throughout the film.

The typography used for the actors names is coloured a light silver, almost white, which resembles weapons and looks like a blade with light reflecting off of the blade. The fact the font is in italics could represent the character as being not as surgically presented as others as the slanted effect creates a sense of imperfection. The font exit’s the frame exceedingly fast, which suits the genre of the film as fast paced action is expected thus this is being representing through the font.

The whole sequence relies on fast cut editing and split screens which make it difficult for the viewer to focus on everything that is occurring due to so much happening all at once. This suggests the story for the film will be presented at a fast pace, which is a general expectation for a film of the action genre.

A faded image of a gas meter is overlapping the image of the protagonist’s gun, this could resemble to speed in which the character can kill or also that no one can escape him, whilst revealing to the audience that fast cars are to be expected.

The holographic effect is used again to show a weapon, which is rotated to show off it appearance to the audience, this shows the props used in the film will be futuristic and sophisticated designs which are an important part of spy films, as gadgets always created excitement for the audience.

The viewing of a plane disappearing into the black smoke of an explosion can be seen which creates a sense of villains needing to be hunted down, which results in an enigma for the audience as they want to know who the villains actually are. However, this could also show the hero having a quick escape and being able to escape any situation and become invisible to the enemy thus why the plane is vanishing into the smoke.

A close up is used to finally reveal the identity of the character, who is seen to be blowing red smoke from the barrel of his gun. The red smoke connotes danger and death which indicates to the audience that this character is used to killing, and is a dangerous person to be going against. It also reveals he always wins thus the film is expected to be a stereotypical spy film where the hero always claims victory, which is identified as yet another theme.

The character is then positioned with his back towards the camera and a poker chip can be seen in the foreground about to cross over the character. The use of a poker chip suggests a theme of gambling which portrays that money will come into the story at some point. The fact the character turns round fast and shoots the chip reveals he is always alert and always hits his target. The section of the sequence is an interference to casino royale, however it appears to have a more comical aspect making it appear almost like a spoof which informs the viewer that the character is likely to be more idiotic than he is being presented. As the chip is shot through, it comes spinning towards the audience almost like a warning to show it would be a mistake to try and harm this character. The character still remains to be seen through the hole in the chip which intrigues the audience to look as they are somewhat impressed by what he is capable of. The fact the chip is destroyed reveals to the audience the character is eliminating all bad deeds; to keep the world out it should be, out of harm.

A target is shown multiple times throughout the sequence which indicates the finding of villains and that the character is always aware of his next step and no one can hide from him. An image then overlaps this shot which consist of the protagonist’s hand holding his gun being duplicated many times which reveals even if the character is working independently the outcome is of the standard of a whole team of people working together.

A silhouette of woman is portrayed in the background of a shot, the fact the silhouette is black makes her appear mysterious which intrigues the audience as they want her identity to be revealed. The entrance of a woman allows assumptions to be made about the narrative as it reveals a possible love interest will enter the protagonist’s life. The woman’s body features are being emphasised as she is dancing to show off her femininity, which suits the role of the typical femme fatale character that is a convention to spy films. This reveals the film will appeal to a male audience as male gaze comes across strongly due to the amount of emphasis on this section of the sequence which doesn’t cut to a different clip as fast as the others; this is to draw attention and show her significance as a character. By the viewing of a woman a theme or sub-genre of romance can be identified which is expected for any film of the action/spy genre.

In the next shot he woman appears to have multiplied, this could represent her having many personalities or it being unclear who she really is. The fact she is now dancing in flames suggests to the audience the character is possibly evil and an enigma is created as the audience wonder is a theme of betrayal is present.As the sequence starts to come to an end the split screen is no longer in use, by showing single shots creates more of a significance to what the audience is viewing and it stresses the importance these objects will have to the story line as a whole.

The audience are then again informed on the location of the film being London, which allows an enigma to be created as to why this specific location is of such importance. The camera then pans into the hologram of the earth and enters London, where car are is being followed through the use of an Ariel shot which allows the audience to become part of the action from another characters perspective. A taxi is in view with a target on it, the taxi is black which has negative connotations thus is suggests to the audience that a villain in the vehicle and as it is being targeted this adds to the assumption. Being transported by taxi often consists of the driver and the passenger being strangers which could suggest a possible kidnapping becoming part of the narrative as it appears to be targeted therefore the audience question its importance.

The audience is then taken into the taxi where they are face to face with the protagonist; this creates a sense of humour as it is expected for a villain to be seated in the car when in actual fact it is the hero which makes him seem comical and lacking intelligence. The way the character is seated also adds to the humour as he is sitting crossed legged on the seat which makes him appear childish and contrasts with how powerful he was being portrayed before.