Manhattan

Manhattan - one of my favourite films.

One thing i love about the beginning of the film is the way the scenery is all made to seem enormously grand and ever fluctuating.

It can be argued that the use of non-diegetic sound, contrasting colours, quick shots and lighting are what allow this opening scene to be so intense and 'pulsating'. The movement of the cars and the people in the opening scene play a large part in this too, in my opinion.

The countless shots of New York establish the setting very clearly to the audience, whilst allowing a humane image to also be portrayed, using the rule of thirds.

Watching the beginning of Manhattan has given me a few ideas about what i can do in the opening of our film. For example, to use contrasting colours such as black and white to create a more intense visual effect, using light and dark would highlight the contrast even more obviously.
Another example is to use a great deal of movement if it is appropriate, as this will create an exciting viewing experience (if done correctly!). If possible, an appropriate piece of 'classical' music, such as the piece used in the opening of Manhattan, could also be used to good effect!

Cat Gough