Opening Sequence Analysis

Ratcatcher (1999)
Social realism combined with surreal element (poetic realism)

-Initial sounds are haunting and surreal.
-Echoing sounds of children laughing outside are used within the initial shots of the sequence to provoke tension within the audience.
-The spinning motion of the boy suggests a possible mental illness and also creates a repetitive and disturbing image.
-Lack of non-diagetic sound emphasizes the reality of the situation and film.
-Natural lighting is used to support the use of diagetic sounds and create a realistic and natural image.

Killer of Sheep (1977)
Social Realism. Student Film (UCLA)

-The use of everyday people and no professional actors highlights the realistic elements within the genre.
-Borrows techniques from documentary films (e.g hand held camera angles and use of natural sound)

American Splender (2004)
Drama with elements of comedy.

-Titles were animated in a comic strip style.
-Comic style music and text
-Animated pictures used within comic strip to add film elements.
-Draws attention to the making of the the film by discussing it within the film itself.