Narrative Structure

In this piece of research i have aimed to identify what makes certain opening sequences so successfully engaging. This is a vital part of a film that needs to be delivered to full effect in order to entice the target audiences to watch the whole film. Therefore, from the narrative structure in particular, it is very important that the audiences are engaged almost immediately from the start of the opening sequence. Furthermore, i hope that this specific part of my research will broaden my knowledge of how to construct a narrative structure in my own opening sequence so when it comes to producing my own piece of practical work i will be able to apply this appropriately. 

Learning Comment: From this particular piece of research i have identified certain conventions that are key to opening sequence's establishing of a narrative structure. This includes the clear indication of an equilibrium ('normality') as well as a slight hint at a disruption of this equilibrium through the use of several character types. i clearly saw this in the opening of Ferris Bueller's Day Off where Ferris was clearly portrayed as a 'hero' with the introduction of his sister who was being shown as the 'villain' due to her attempt of blocking Ferris' motive. As a result of this, it gave us a clear indication that there was going to be problems throughout the film - resulting in the audience wanting to carry on watching the film so they can see what issues arise for Ferris thus making this particular opening sequence successful due to the clear establishment of the narrative structure.