Detailed analysis of Easy A’s opening sequence:
The opening sequence of ‘Easy A’ begins with
mid-shots of the scene, it includes the American flag, a set of houses and the
school grounds, this helps the audience get an early understanding of where the
film is set and makes them want to continue watching to find out more. To help
portray the setting cutting is used to change from a mid-shot of a housing estate to another mid-shot of the american flag blowing in the wind which
enables the audience to see more in a shorter space of time which will keep
them watching. As these scenes are being introduced titles of the different
actors names are placed on various parts of the long-shot for example on the grass
of the school grounds. By using titles this way it keeps the audience
interested as they can see what’s going on in the film but are still aware and
able to look at the actors who they are about to see. Upbeat music is used
throughout the opening sequence this keeps the audience interested due to the
fact the target audience (teenagers) generally enjoy upbeat music. The music
continues throughout the first two minutes and twenty seconds of the opening
sequence but at various points is faded slightly to introduce new sounds such
as the school bell, which helps to remind and inform the audience of the
setting. Narrative is also introduced, as the music is faded. The narrative is in
fact the main character ‘Olive Penderghast.’ who is explaining how this isn’t
the ‘typical teenage film’ which adds an element of comedy for the audience. Towards
the end of the open sequence a mid-shot of Olive showing her walking down the school corridor is used when she is shown to the audience, this keeps the
audience intrigued as they’ve heard her speak, they’ve now seen her so they
will then be curious to what is going to happen next.