Film Opening Research #2 - Karate Kid

 Film Opening Research for the Movie "Karate Kid" (2010)

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

No title is displayed in the opening sequence for this particular movie, but credits are shown. The credits are displayed as the main character drives away from what seems to be his home. As the credits are displayed the audience is able to take in the environment and see what the main character is leaving behind and saying goodbye to. This proves to be important as the main character makes the huge transition to China and then the audience is able to compare and contrast the two locations. The display of the credits in this fashion also allows the audience to grasp this feeling of farewell and goodbyes.
What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The images prioritized in the sequence consist of elements to showcase that the mother and son are leaving their home to move countries. The film focuses on this wall that shows marks of the different heights of the main character through different times in his life. This tells the audience that the main character is leaving his childhood home. The focus on this image also reveals information such as the boy's father died and that they are not only moving they are making a dramatic move to China, halfway across the world!
What connotations do the images carry? 

Overall the images hold a somber, negative, and sad connotation. The audience is able to grasp that the mother and son are moving as the boxes around the house and the suitcases are notable. This is perceived as negative since the height markings on the wall establish that the boy grew up in this home and is now leaving it behind. Moreover, a lack of excitement or happiness on the boy's face suggests he is against the move. Later, in the opening sequence, the audience sees the boy lean his head back and sigh furthering the idea that he does not want to move to China which develops the negative and sad connotations of the opening sequence
How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? 

The rain is symbolic of the sadness of the move from the boy's perspective. The rain sets the mood to be sad and somber but also emphasizes the boy's emotions in a dramatic and clear fashion. The rain is seen as gloomy, dark, and sad, which corresponds with the low-spirited feelings of the main character. The rain is a typical feature used to create drama in drama films. The film also signals to the reader that this is a dram film through the use of the main character's family and friends which physically and symbolically leaves as he moves to china and gets in the cab. The driving away from a group of people emphasizes and symbolizes the idea that he is leaving behind everything he loves to move to China. This adds drama to the fact that this move is a challenge for the main character. Looking out the window in a solemn manner gives this intense and dramatic feeling to the film and likely creates emotion as the audience sympathizes with the boy. These features and aspects reinforce the drama and make the drama in the film clear to the audience.

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

The film is targeted towards kids relatively eight and older but is also targeted to families, in general, is considered a family-friendly movie. The film uses simple but effective strategies to appeal to its audience. A simple component of the opening sequence where the boy rolls his stomach on the top of his suitcase creates a playful mood that is also relatable to the audience. Even this small, fun, and goofy element would appeal to the film's target audience. Moreover, the deeper issue being the move to China provides enough emotional deep to be stimulating and entertaining to all ages of a family from child to adult.
How has technology been used effectively?

Technology was used to enhance the drama of the film. For example, the opening sequence uses camera angles to its advantage when a close-up shot is used as the main character looks out their window. The use of the close-up shot allows the audience to take in and observe the high emotions of the main character by giving the viewer a closer and clear view of the boy's face. The visibly readable face provided by the shot gives the scene this dramatic and intense effect since the viewer can now see and feel the boy's emotions