The Job of an Opening Sequence

OPENING SEQUENCES MUST:

1. Establish genre; the combination of the framing, the mise-en-scene, the editing and the sound must work together in order to heighten the genre of the film
2. Establish character; although the appearance of the main character is important, the opening sequence must tell us a little about their characteristics and interests
3. Establish the narrative; in only 2 minutes, the opening sequence has to convey the idea of the film
4. Establish setting; this can be easily done through the mise-en-scene
5. Establish the mood; like the genre, the mood should be established so that it sets the mood for the rest of the film, and the audience get a feel for this mood