Opening Sequence Analysis

A typical convention of an opening sequence is to start by advertising the production company with a logo, which Clueless does.

EditingA montage sequence is used within the Clueless opening sequence. This montage editing technique clearly establishes the films genre and the main protagonist. The montage shows a teenage girl partaking in typical teenage activities. This sequence is good as it shows the viewer a lot about the characters lifestyle successfully, from this particular montage the viewer will learn that the main protagonist is a rich, white American girl. The title of the film ‘Clueless’ is edited in and appears at the beginning of the opening sequence, however the actors, directors, producers (ect..) names do not appear are not included which is unlike most openingsequences. The montage sequence introduces theenigma of Cher’s way too glamourous routine.

CameraworkThe opening sequence of Clueless is very good at establishing the protagonist of the film, which is one of the main generic conventions of opening sequences. It does this well through the use of camerawork and other conventions. Within the opening sequence there are many shots to establish the fabulous lifestyle of the protagonist. For example a birds eye shot is used within the montage sequence to present Cher, (The main girl character) driving her fancy car. This successfully establishes the narrative of the film also.Mid shots of her having fun with her many friends are used which present her popular character.

An over the shoulder shot can be seen when she is looking in the mirror connoting her vain personality, furthermore there are tracking shots of her out shopping which present her glamourous and carefree life.

Mise-en-sceneMise-en-scene and particularly iconography to show the theme/genre of the film is another generic convention of film opening sequences. The computer generated closet Cher owns presents her rich American teenager persona and shows she is well-off. The huge chandelier shown within this opening sequence connotes the family’s wealth and their upper class status within society. The family’s huge home showed within the opening sequence also presents how rich they are, showing they are not a typical American family, which sets the tone for the rest of the film as one of the main themes of the film is wealth.Mise-en-scene is used to strongly present the coming teen genre of the film. The genre is presented through stereotypical teen activities such as shopping, swimming and getting ready for school.

SoundA suitable non-digetic music track is used during the opening sequence of Clueless. “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde plays while flashes of Cher’s fabulous American daily life are shown which is very appropriate and links well to the storyline.After the montage sequence is over a non-digetic voiceover by the main protagonist starts, in which she talks about herself and her preppy life. This element of the opening sequence also effectively establishes the central character’s behaviour.As the narrative begins, a song begins containing lyrics such as “Fashion!”which link well to what ishappening; Cher is pickingout what clothes to wear forthe day.

BackstoryA generic convention of many opening sequences is to include a backstory which gives the audience some information as to what has happened in the past for them to understand the rest of the film. However this convention is not used within the Clueless opening sequence and the main story just begins normally. On the other hand exciting moments of the main protagonists life are shown to present her crazy and rich way of life.