Opening Scenes and Characters - Introduction

Over the next few posts I will be looking in more detail at the most common conventions that I found in opening sequences. I'll be looking at the way characters are introduced, the way locations are shown and the ways enigma and mystery are created for the audience.

I am first going to be looking at characters. I'll be looking at two opening scenes that introduce characters and establish their character traits for the audience. The first film that I'm looking at for introducing character is 'The Shawshank Redemption'.

 

The second film that I'm looking at for introducing characters is Shaun of the Dead.