Knocked Up Opening Sequence Analysis

Knocked Up

The opening of the film doesn’t follow the regular codes and conventions of a ROMCOM, for example there is no voiceover during the sequence and there are no stereotypes with the romantic colours, it seemed to be more like the opening of a male targeted/oriented comedy rather than a ROMCOM. I think the reason this opening sequence was used to set the tone for the rest of the film as the opening gives you the impression that this film is quite a fun comedy film, and that the people involved don’t care about what they’re doing and just want to have fun, one thing that would give you this impression it is a part in this sequence where there are some grown men on a rollercoaster screaming like little girls which is probably trying to show the audience there is some immaturity to these people. The music played in this sequence also appears to be contrapuntal as it matches the theme of the film and the activities the characters are partaking in. The key idea that interests me the most is that the characters who are involved in the opening sequence are just doing what they want and don’t care about anything else which gives you the impression that something is probably going to happen to them later in the film. The titles that are used appear to be very basic, however it matches the music used which feels very laid back and casual. I think the titles are used in this way purposely to match the music beat and the scene itself as they almost represent the characters, because like the titles, they appear to be very basic and immature people. The opening sequence represents these people as very laid back and immature, the fact that they are boxing with actual gloves and helmets and not caring about if they get hurt, and shows just how immature the characters are portrayed to be. The film company behind this film is Universal Pictures, this is relevant because if people see this before a film they will know it’s going to be quite good as they are the oldest film studio and also one of the best. I think the audience for this opening sequence alone would be young males aged 16-26 as it seems to have a sense of humour that other age groups probably wouldn’t find as appealing as young males. This opening sequence keeps the audiences interest by having something that is fun and catches your attention; the setting is also relatable with it being someone’s house so people can relate to that in their own lives. It keeps them interested from the very beginning as the music is quite lively and everyone seems to be happy, high key lighting is used so the entire sequence stands out if you’re watching. There are also many props used such as boxing gloves, dumbbells and a bell (which is used right at the beginning). No special effects have been used, and I think it is right not to as it wouldn’t have fitted in with the whole theme of the film, something like an explosion in someone’s garden would look out of place in this film especially, as a ROMCOM I think one purpose is to be relatable to people and an explosion in a garden wouldn’t be something people could relate to.