Film Opening Sequence Analysis - Fight Club

1. Film Opening Sequence -
Analysis
Mina Margo Spasic
AS Level Media Studies

2. Fight Club
- This segment demonstrates the opening
sequence from the drama/thriller 1999 film titled
“Fight Club” (directed by David Fincher).
- The insert poster contains two of the main
characters, . One of who looks aggressive and
angry, indicating the genre of the film alongside
the eye-catching title on a bar of soap (which is
very bright pink in contrast with the dim
brown/green colours).

3. - The sequence begins with a black background with some classical music
which is abruptly interrupted with the sound of a broken record. Loud, bass
based music begins playing straight after which more appropriately fits the film
genre.
- This sudden change of music can be interpreted as the deviation of the
characters in the film, their violation and disregard the the rules of society. It
represents the contrariety of the norms of society of the film’s narrative.
- It audibly distincts the differences between a way of life that is considered to
be normal within a society, and the way of life that the main character
(alongside other characters in the film) will choose to lead.

4. - The title sequence begins with a dark
microscopic view of the nerves inside of
the main character’s body which indicates
that the character will act based on the
chemical reactions that take place within
his body. Accompanied with loud, bass
based music, it signifies the violence and
chaoticism of the narrative.
- The nerves light up at a continuous tempo
that matches the music which makes the
viewer feel more in tune with the character
and signifies the chemical aspects of the
film.

5. - The biological images put forward the
impression that the film will belong to the
psychological drama sub-genre which
focuses on the psychological, mental and
emotional development of the character.
- The cast and crew credits (alongside
directors, writers, etc) are represented in
a light blue, glowing font which
complements the film’s rampant story and
the adrenaline triggered exciting feeling
obtained from a fight.

6. - In the following part of the sequence, the camera emerged from a pore on
sweaty skin (indicated nervousness) and then proceeds to move further away,
revealing that the pore was located on the forehead. This means that most of
the inner microscopic images during the title sequence were located in the
brain, announcing the mental illnesses that the character suffers from. As the
perspective moves outside from the brain, it reveals the context of the scene.
- The camera moves in a fast-paced, smooth cgi movements throughout the
entire opening sequence, this points out the biological/technical part of the
film.

7. - As the camera continues moving backwards, it goes along the edges of a gun.
As it reaches the end, it is revealed that gun is held inside the mouth of the main
character after the camera changes focus from the gun, to the background
(main character). This is when the protagonist is introduced for the first time. He
is a middle aged man, shown from a slight high angle (connoting inferiority),
making direct eye contact with the camera hence strengthening the bond
between him and the viewer.
- Subsequently, narration (voice over) starts. The narrative in this film is
non-linear. The tone of the narrator’s voice conveys a unenthusiastic,
pessimistic feeling.

8. - There is a focus pull from
the gun to the face.
- His facial expression
plainly expresses fear and
panic, having a desperate
look in his eyes, which
portrays him as weak and
fearful.

9. - The lighting throughout the entire sequence is dim, heavy and dark.
- The enhanced shadows create a dramatic effect and intensifying
tension.
- This creates a dramatic effect and it successfully intensifies tension.
- Tension is also achieved by the implication of cold, desaturated
colours.
- The low-key lighting conveys the dark atmosphere and mood which
is relative to the protagonist’s outlook on life.