opening 2 minutes of a feature film (american beauty, Jerry maguire)

characters

• AMERICAN BEAUTY-at first we hear a narration by leister. he reveals detail about his current life, including the blandness of it. he lives in a large house with a regular wife. it seems as though he's living the american dream, but we all know through his narration that this isn't the case. his highlight of the day is 'jerking off', which proves how boring his lifestyle is. His daughter is stressful and confused, which is two characteristics which Leister thinks will sustain over a long period. His line of thought has really set an uninteresting tone for the rest of the film.
• JERRY MAGUIRE- jerry seems very quick, witty, confident and almost cocky. But it seems that in his line of work these are the best attributes to succeed. He cares for many athletes, taking over 250 calls a day. It would seem as though he's looking out for them, but i think his priorities lie mainly on how much he has in the bank. He realises this when the young child asks for an autograph and the athlete says "i only sign the blue cards". Lately his confident nature hasn't been benefiting him as well as he would like. His clients are becoming harder to manage and he knows it.
• comparison- The obvious difference between the two is the drive factor. Jerry has a lot to live for and gives a great deal of enthusiasm. I think Leister sees past the basic attractions in life e.g money. Technically he posesses many things that can bring joy to his life, but he has a higher line of thought. Jerry on the other hand enjoys takes advantage of all things good in his life.

OPEN DOORS (KEN)- Ken is a very jolly land lord. He performs very pathetic, miniscule jobs, but his pride is retained as he sings in the clip. His frame of mind seems to be very mature and all knowing, although it's not needed so urgently in his line of work e.g, He poors cheap brandy into expensive bottles. This wit will benefit financially and i'm sure his intelligence will in other ways later on in the film.

OPENING SEQUENCES

LONDON TO BRIGHTON- the scene started very awkwardly, as there was no build up in tension. It was in and odd place, which fits the state very well. Both of the characters have no stable ground. they leech around, finding money wherever possible. It seems that the younger girl doesn't deserve this lifestyle or can even handle it emotionally. This makes me think that she wasn't born into it. The elder girl has a swollen eye, which shows that she hasn't just been emotionally toughened, but mentally also.

THE GRADUATE-the first scene is very boring. This is reflected in the camera angles and colours, which all may add up to give you an idea of his current lifestyle. His suit is clean cut and his face is motionless, which to him may be attractive, but we all know that this can be matched to how he feels inside.

NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE- very uniquely, introductions for people involved in the film were written on food, paper, pencils etc. I find this to be a very clever and original idea, although it's a little odd. This may foreshadow things to come.