Research into a Western opening scene

 The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Studio: The Mirisch Company Alpha productions

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Main Cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke

From 0-3.10min

In this scene the narrative is given to us that there is conflict between groups and that they are being attacked, or are preparing for an attack. In the meeting they have they seem to be planning a strategy. From this opening scene we expect the rest of the film to be about what they are planning and about conflict and fighting.

We are introduced to quite a few different characters, but only quite briefly. The first people we properly are introduced to are the cowboys sitting in the back of the cart, however we never hear them speak so this doesn't tell us much about them. As soon as we see the meeting that is occurring, the first shot shows a couple who are sitting at the back. The fact that these are the first people we see tells us that they will probably be the protagonists in this film. From the way they are dressed they seem a bit out of place amongst the rest of the people, and they also seem quite nervous and shy and are sitting on their own. This could mean that they are new to the town or this community. The rest of the people in the meeting are all shouting at the person at the front, who seems to be the mayor or the person in charge. Whilst this is happening the couple sit quietly, showing their shock about what is going on. 

The genre is set up by showing the stereotypical cultural aspects of western culture. For example the cowboy hats, the accents, and the horses. We also get a clue of the genre from the titles at the beginning as the font is typical for the western culture, it is similar to what we see on western 'Wanted' signs such as the one below:

A key scene I think shows the tone of the film very well is when we hear the gun shot and all the animals run away. The use of sound here shows that it is not only the humans that are in fear. This highlights the danger that will probably be presented throughout the film, the violence and how the whole community is effected, including the animals. 

A camera technique I think was very effective in this opening scene is when the camera is on the side of the cart and it is like a POV shot which makes the audience feel like they are on the cart with the characters, I think that this is effective as from the beginning it is trying to get the audience to feel connected to the characters. 

An editing technique I think shows the status and position of the couple is the cuts between the chaos and the couple to show the juxta position, and therefore how different they are to the rest of the community. 

In conclusion I think that this is quite a successful opening scene, and it is quite hard to tell clearly what is going on, which therefore builds a sense of mystery and keeps the audience engaged. It does not reveal too much of the narrative which therefore makes us want to see how the story of the film unfolds.