G321: Analysing 'Reservoir Dogs' Film Opening

I have decided to use Reservoir Dogs as part of my film opening analysis as it is in a linear format much like my own film opening will be. This will give me a better idea of how to structure my opening rather than looking at a fractured narrative for example.



In order to analyse the opening of Reservoir dogs I will focus to the 8 main areas of discussion:

• Narrative
• Setting
• Sound
• Titles
• Atmosphere
• Genre
• Character
• Theme

The purpose of an opening sequence is to establish the style of the film, for example: themes, characters, location and genre. The opening scene of the 1992 film Reservoir Dogs is very linear in its narrative and, when looked at on it's own, would be an open narrative. However, when part of the film as whole it becomes a closed narrative. Due to the openings linear format it enables the audience to easily understand what is going on within the text. It also allows the producers to simply imply the genre of the film and establish the overall style for the audience - as mentioned above. It is clear that this group of eight men have just met up and going somewhere to do something. The mise en scene used within the scene, including the urban setting, aids in hinting at the genre of the film. The cigarette, the black sunglasses and the gold chain are all signifies of the gangster genre of the text. Adding to this gangster image is the group culture of the men, which comes across as quite intimidating to the audience - further highlighting their status.

The setting of the opening is not made directly clear, however you can see it is a city environment due to the cars and concrete buildings. This setting is fitting with the genre and the urban feel connotes crime. The cars featured in the scene also act as signifies for the 1970's time period of the film. Adding to this 1970's feel is the music featured throughout the scene. The Little Green Bag song was released in 1969 and actually comes across as incongruous with the genre. However, the strong beat and soft rock genre is fitting with the 'swarve' style of the opening.

The main objective for an opening sequence is to display the opening titles. In Reservoir Dogs these are in a simple font and equally appear in a simple fade in and out manor on the screen. This is fitting with the linear narrative and reflects the 'no-nonsense' feel we gain from the gang of men. The titles are in no way integrated into the film, which gives it a regimented and structured portrayal. The name of the actor appears under each character as almost in introduction to each of them in turn. This method of titling indicates a theme of identity within the film and gives each character his own identity - suggesting this may be explored throughout the film.

The atmosphere of the opening has a very cool tone about it. The slow motion adds a relaxed feel and overall style of the text makes it smooth. Adding to this, the suits worn by most of the characters add to this sophisticated atmosphere. Adding this cool undertone to a gangster film glorifies the gangster life and image. The overall genre of the opening is gangster. This is made clear from the various mise used. For example the gold chain, the sunglasses and the cigarette. These are all items stereotypically associated with gangs. Also, the fact that the characters are introduced as a large group is a strong signifier of the gangster genre.

Throughout the opening sequence the main characters are introduced. There are eight males altogether however only six are wearing suits - this could indicate their more superior status within the film compared to the other two in everyday casual wear. This signifies that perhaps the six men in suits are part of the main gang and the other two males are 'helpers' within the piece. Their role in the film may be just as important, however within the plot line they may be seen as less important. This suggests themes of conflict between groups and a sense of 'in-group' loyalties. Another theme that is hinted at throughout the opening credits is the idea of crime which stems from the overall theme of gangs. Other connotations of gang culture include money, conflict and competition. All of which could be explored throughout the film.

The opening sequence of Reservoir Dogs portrays a now old fashioned take on a gangster film - something very different from the modern day perception of gangs. The gangster life is portrayed as cool and is almost glorified in the laid back nature of the text. It would give a modern day audience a very different perspective of gangs from what we are exposed to in the media today. However, for the time period it is set in, it illustrates a very true representation of how people viewed gangs at that time.