Opening Scene Analysis 3 / Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Introduction Scene

(Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, 2019)

Think about the format of the images...

How are they constructed?

This is a narrative driven scene - We have starting and ending points for each character.

What shot types are used?

A mix of either close-ups or open long and distant shots.

What filters/effects are used?

There were color filters used on the scenes featuring Margot Robbie, they were filtered with brighter and more airy colors. For the shots featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, they were filtered with darker and more stuffy colors. 

Are there any key colors used?

The most apparent colors to me were Blue (Margot) and Black/Grey (Leo & Brad), and I think it was done to reflect the characters and who they are. 

Now start to see if there's other tools from our theory that might be useful to use...

Can you identify any 'Binary opposites'

There are clear binary opposites between the two guys and Margot Robbie's character. For example, there is a clear difference in color, with the guys having a prominent theme of black and grey which come across as dull and depressing, whilst Margot has a much brighter theme of blue and cheerful colors, reflecting her joyful and exciting lifestyle.

What do you believe is the 'reality that is being represented'?

Again, reality is quite subjective depending on how the viewer is taking in what they see on screen. Personally, I believe that the reality being represented is that in which there are two different styles of living your life. For example, we follow the opposing lifestyles of the character presented, the woman is shown living happily painted in bright colors all around her. Meanwhile, the men are shown to be surrounded in dark and tight spaces with little to now interaction with one another.

What do you think is the preferred reading of the representation shown?

I believe that there is a preferred reading of the representation that comes down to gender. The woman shown is presented with a superstar persona, supported by the visual surroundings that she becomes a part of. In contrast to this, the men are presented with a sense of being minor celebrities, also supported with the visual contrast of dull and unhealthy lifestyles that surround them.

What is the genre of the film (and tone/mood)?

I think that the film fits in as a Drama, with a warm tone and a light mood. 

What are the themes of the film?

I think that there are themes of fame and success, mostly as we are following a character(s) who is enveloped in a lifestyle involving career and celebrity life.

What is the representation of the setting?

We are definitely in a very American setting, which feels to be heavily represented as a bright and exciting place - The land of opportunity.