F.R.I.E.N.D.S Opening
Scene Analysis
‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, uses a very brief but successful opening
scene which is just under one minute. Even though the opening scene is very
condense, the actual content is very productive.
The Mise en Scene in this opening sequence is set in a
studio, although its been designed so well that it looks as if its been filmed outside.
All of the characters are on the couch with lampshades either side of the ends.
It is as if they are all living outside preparing to watch a show. The setting
at the beginning is facing the audience.
However, the camera angles change as the sequence commences.
Mid shots are used to show the actors expressions as they dance around looking
jolly. As many eye level shots are used, this portrays a connection with the
audience as if we are equal to them. Symbolically, with the title itself ‘FRIENDS’
and their camera shots used, it generally makes the cast feel like we as an
audience are their actual friends. Another example to support this is the
lyrics used, which are non diagetic. The lyrics repeat a lot with the saying. ‘I’ll
be there for you’’. This song was placed
in the opening sequence during post production editing, although, as the actors
are dancing around to this song, it implies that it is aimed towards the
audience, indicating a friendship between the audience and the show. As this happen
, the actors names are mentioned as the camera focuses with a close up shot on
their face so there is no confusion who is who.
The editing within the first part of the introduction has
been made ever so well. Between zero to four seconds in, music starts to get
louder and the basics of a dark looking house and garden become lightened with
lights looking as if they are being switched on through windows. The lights of
a fountain being turned on also. Although, none of these features were even
real, it was all clever props and lighting used on a stage. This concept of ‘FRIENDS’
dancing around together after this happened may imply that they all live
together there and then they made their way outside to their garden to
introduce themselves to the audience. In addition to this, an editing feature
was used. Within the title there are dots to space out each letter within the
world ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’. Each dot which has been used are each colour of the
primary colours. These colours were also
shown in the same exact order as the title when the actors were holding
umbrellas of only primary colours. These colours are quite significant and can
mean positivity, happiness and trust. The producer of ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’ was being
intelligent to use positive colours to create positive vibes for the audience’s
eye.
Long shots were used towards the end when all the actors
were posing inside the water fountain. This shows that if the audience keep
watching they are in to view some great action. As the opening sequence comes
to an end. All of the characters are sitting on the couch. We have the back
view of them as they are all facing the house. As an audience we are being
shown what they are doing by an over the shoulder wide shot. This actually makes
us feel as we are one of them and whatever they are about to watch, we will see
it with them also.
The clip I am writing aboutLastly, as the sequence comes to its end, the lights
gradually get darker by the actors switching of lamps, which implies that they
are all just about to relax and watch a show on the couch. The screen becomes
black and the creator’s names get mentioned. All the focus is on the creator’s
names which are written in white font on a black screen. It is not easy to miss
for the audience’s eye.
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