Conventions of film openings

The opening of any film shows the equilibrium of the world in which the film is set. We are usually introduced to the protagonist or the antagonist for example in the opening to "The Dark Knight" we are introduced to the films antagonist "The Joker".

Usually an event will occur in the first opening scenes which set the tone for the film. In most slasher/horror films the opening scene involves the killer chasing and murdering people without showing people too much about the character or overwhelming the audience. This leaves the audience with an enigma or two. "Who is the killer?" And "why is he killing people".

An enigma leaves the audience with questions in their head that they expect to be answered through the rest of the film.

In psychological films or films that have a very intricate plot that requires the audience to pay attention, the opening scene will not give away too much but will usually be subtle and drip feed information to the audience. Whereas in common genres such as action, comedy or horror the title sequence will be straight to the point and in your face , saying 'this is what the movie is all about'.

The opening of a film may develop plot and or character, it helps us to get to know the character which also goes hand in hand with narration as it gives us a sense of perspective from whom we are listening to.

For example in "Rock'n'Rolla" the film begins with a narration from one of the antagonists/anti-hero ,Archie, who gives us a perspective of the job he does and how the business he is in is run.

A better example would be from "Bronson". The opening scene, much like the rest of the film has famous prisoner, Charlie Bronson talking one on one with the audience as well as narrating parts of his life.