Research and Planning: Title sequence and Opening Scene Analysis

To analyse the opening scene and title sequence of Pulp Fiction, a modern noir film, made in 1994 and directed by Quentin Tarantino I will look at many aspects. These aspects should create character, narrative and genre.

To set up genre they have used classic noir techniques such as low lighting while they are stood by the boot, this creates a mysterious scene. Also during the boot shot there are many big shadows surrounding the two characters this also adds mystery to the scene. The costume and props sets up character. Suits are popular costumes for noir films as they show that the character is serious, this is slightly ironic as the men’s conversation is mainly about Europe being “strange” and McDonalds in France. The guns are also a popular prop for main characters in noir films, it again show the character is serious and also dangerous.

During the narrative, Barthes’ codes can be recognised. The hermeneutic code is mainly seen during the pre-title scene. The audience would ask many questions during the scene such as who is this man? Who is this boy? Who was his dad? Why is the watch significant? This adds mystery to the story. When the audience see the two new characters more questions would be asked for example, who are they? Where are they going? How are they linked to the young boy and man? Again adding mystery to the story. The proairtic code is mainly seen during the last few minutes while the men are preparing their guns and going into the building. This series of events suggests to the audience that a possibly dangerous event will happen soon. The semantic code can be found while the men are stood by the boot. The shot is looking up at the two men from inside the boot, this suggests that there might be somebody inside the boot that the audience are unaware of. Also during the narrative, Levi-Strauss’ theory of binary oppositions can be found. As the story is only at the beginning it is difficult to decide the exact binary oppositions however the most obvious so far is the lives of the two men, which are exciting and dangerous and out of the ordinary compared to the boring and ordinary lives of average people.

The title sequence is very contrasting. The titles and background is very boring, the background is black, the title is orange and the wording is white. There are some effects but are very subtle and calm. On the other hand the music is very fun this suggests that the film is not serious like the men’s conversation. The use of a radio dial changing the music is very strange and quirky also suggesting the film is not serious. It changes to another fun song which fades to the men talking in the car. The contrast between the fun music and boring titles could represent the binary oppositions, the music might represent the two men and their lives and the titles may represent ordinary people and their lives.

508 words