Film Opening Research #1- Hot Fuzz

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

4 titles are seen in the opening of the film, the Universal Studios logo, the production company Working title, Studio Canal, Big Talk Productions.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

A montage of the main character, Nicholas Angel, with zooms and camera pans of Nicholas while he narrates his life leading up to becoming and as a police officer in London

 What connotations do the images carry?

The montage sets up Nicholas to be a very successful, goal-oriented, and serious member of the London police department.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The opening montage and quick cuts of the camera actually makes the film out to be an action rather than a comedy. The elements of a comedy film is only seen after the opening scene.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

An enigma is established by the film with Nicholas listing his achievements that slowly become less and less related to police work.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Quick camera cuts and fast pans between shots are used to keep the audience engaged. There are also also shots that illicit laughter from the audience like the montage abruptly ending with Nicholas getting stabbed in the hand by a guy dressed as Santa Claus.

How has technology been used effectively?

The camera following Nicholas in a way that the Nicholas is always seen either from a head on perspective or from the side and never from behind. To reinforce that he is the protagonist and that he is a very serious character.

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