Art of the Opening Scene — How to Start a Movie 6 Different Ways, From Nolan to Baumbach

The Art of the Opening Scene — six methods of how to start a movie using character introductions, character dynamics, cold opens, and genre rules. 25 Best Opening Scenes in Movies ►► 2001 Dawn of Man Video ►► StudioBinder Screenwriting Software ►► Chapters: 00:00 Intro — The Opening Scene 01:20 Technique 1: Enter the Villain 02:07 Technique 2: Enter the Hero 03:39 Technique 3: Establish Relationships 05:17 Technique 4: Plot Catalyst 07:03 Technique 5: Follow Genre 08:24 Technique 6: Flip Genre 10:40 Flashbacks 10:52 Flash-forwards 11:27 Dreams 11:53 Metaphors 12:15 Bookends 12:30 Red Herrings 13:17 MacGuffins 13:48 Final Takeaways How to start a movie — obviously, there is no single answer to that question but there are ways to find the perfect opening scene. The first scene in any story has a great burden placed on it and the decision of how to open a movie should be given careful consideration. In this video essay on the art of the opening scene, we will examine six methods that illustrate the various ways to begin a movie. Let’s start with how to introduce a villain or hero. When the ensuing story follows the combative relationship between a hero and villain, it can be advantageous to make those introductions as soon as possible. Especially, in the case of The Dark Knight — when we already know plenty about Batman from the earlier film — setting up his primary adversary for this chapter sets the bar for what he will be facing for the rest of the film. In Skyfall, even though we had our formal introduction to James Bond in Casino Royale, we can add a new layer onto both his characterization and plant a story problem for him in this new chapter. In Marriage Story, writer/director Noah Baumbach shows us how to start a movie with pure characterization. We are introduced right away to Charlie and Nicole with an extended montage of their personalities, and a brief history of their marriage. For this movie, this opening scene is perfectly suited to give us as much information and sympathy about this couple before we see their separation and divorce for the rest of the film. Without this opening sequence, our ability to sympathize can decrease. In Uncut Gems, we skip the character introduction altogether and begin with the plot device that will kickstart and motivate the characters throughout. The opening scene takes place in an Ethiopian mine where a rare and mystical gem is unearthed. The power and influence this gem has is given center stage before we meet any characters. Finally, in La La Land and Get Out, we have two genre films (musical and horror, respectively) that begin with opening scenes meant to obey and break their genre rules. In La La Land, before the main character introductions, we get an explosive opening sequence full of bright colors, elaborate choreography, and a mix of fantasy and reality that musicals are known for. In Get Out, we have a mix of tones in the opening scene: both comedy and horror. This hybridization of the genres clues us in that the following movie will meet but also challenge the pre-established genre rules. Whether you choose a character introduction, establish the character dynamics between the main characters, or set up the genre, how you begin a movie matters. #FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking — Songs used: “Also Sprach Zarathustra“ - Richard Strauss “Rainy Night in Tallinn“ - Ludwig Göransson “Exit Strategy“ - Alternate Endings “The A400 Intro“ - Joe Kraemer “Bank Robbery (Prologue)“ - Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard “Grand Bazaar, Istanbul“ - Thomas Newman “Skyfall (Instrumental Cover)“ - Adele “What I Love About Nicole“ - Randy Newman “What I Love About Charlie“ - Randy Newman “A Time For Love“ - Bill Evans “The Ballad Of Howie Bling“ - Daniel Lopatin “Uncut Gems“ - Daniel Lopatin “High Life“ - Daniel Lopatin “Another Day of Sun“ - La La Land OST “Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga“ - Michael Abels “Run Rabbit Run“ - Flanagan and Allen “Hold Your Breath“ - Astyria “Roller Skates“ - Virgil Arles Music by Artlist ► Music by Artgrid ► Music by Soundstripe ► Music by Music Vine ► Music by MusicBed ► — SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s YouTube channel! ►► Looking for a project management platform for your filmmaking? StudioBinder is an intuitive project management solution for video creatives; create shooting schedules, breakdowns, production calendars, shot lists, storyboards, call sheets and more. Try StudioBinder for FREE today: — Join us on Social Media! — Instagram ►► Facebook ►► Twitter ►►