Opening sequence analysis - Snake Eyes

Snake eyes (1998):
I enjoyed watching this opening sequence as it is a very interesting way of getting straight into the film while setting the scene. We open in the restricted frame of TV, before shifting out and away from the TV into the larger scale of the movie. Instantly, from the panning of the camera (in the report) down, we see the poster for the fight inside. From this and the reporters dialogue we can immediately identify the setting for the first scene. The outside chaos as well seen in the report could be said to be foreshadowing future events and chaos inside the venue. The main protagonist, immediately identified after the camera moves away from the news report, is identified as a cop, who is possibly corrupt. Although this is the case, the impression is not given that he is at all a villain in the film, and in fact may be the hero, not because of his nature of way of being 'a good guy', just simply because of his position in the film. I really like the subtle ways the characters and plot of the film are introduced in this opening.

The genre can be quickly identified as being a crime / drama / thriller. Simply from the lighting and the mise-en-scene, this is clear. Where a rom-com for instance would be easily identified as being high key, bright and sunny, set possibly a high school, large american city, or cute cottage in the country, the opening of this film is set outside, in the pouring rain, in the dark, with a news report showing what is soon to be a fight. Although these are not typically thriller indicators, it does show that the film is not going to be jolly, singing and dancing, romantic, funny, or involve any aliens.

I also appreciate the way in which the titles are cleverly incorporated in the report. As someone having to make an opening sequence including titles, I like the creativity and may consider using a similar approach to titles being discrete in the future. I think it is a great idea; the typography really works with the films genre and  the text looks like it should be there, on the television as a part of the report. There are many opening sequences where the opening credits seem too obvious and stand out from the important establishing information which is suposed to be the focus.