I Am Legend Opening scene

Released:	28th December 2007
Genre:	Action, Sci-Fi
Price:	B+
Estimated box office:	£12,000,000
Director:	Francis Lawrence
Film cast:	Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Alice Braga, Paradox Pollack
Certificate:	15
Distributor:	Warner Brothers

 

 

The opening scene of the film begins by introducing us to New York City, this is made obvious as the cameras pan across famous land marks aswell as the skyline in which you can see the empire state building this is presented using an areial shot. It follows with multiple low angle shots of buildings and along the empty strips of run-down shops and skycrapers. By familiarising viewers with the location in which the film will take place, this technique is also effective in introducing us to its post-apocolyptic state. The abnormally run down condition of the buildings and the unusual silence leaves an eary atmosphere which gives an early impression that this film is of the sci-fi/horror genre. The roads are overgrown with grass and bushes, giving viewers the impression that it has been left uncared for, for a long period of time. You are first intoduced to the main character as he handles an assult rifle whilst driving in a sports car. The fact that he is carrying a weapon and is confident enough to move it arouind the car whilst driving gives the impression that he is familiar with using guns. It also leads you as a viewer to belive that he is on edge and taking extreme precautions because of something which we have not yet been introduced to. As he continues driving he looks back an forth as though he is waiting for something to appear. The camera then switches to a close up on a dog in the passanger seat. The dog watches him patiently and he responds by opening the window for the dog to put his head outside. This creates an opportunity for the camera to switch again to outside the car and film, following from behind, showing us the surroundings in more detail.