JUNO opening title sequence

JUNO

Juno is a film which was based around a female in which gave up her child for adoption within the film and this can be indicated in the opening title sequence in many ways. The female is walking to a chemist throughout the opening sequence assisting the start point of the film to be where indeed she takes a pregnancy test.

The genre of he film seems to be comedy this can be indicated through the signature theme tune and the characteristic cartoon element into the opening sequence. It can be considered that the cartoon element makes it seem rather playful and childish as it has simplistic outlines on the characters costume such as the female’s shoes and belt. Which implicates further that the adult audience is more niche and would be younger adults.

The iconography in the title sequence deploys enigmas towards the narrative. Props such as the orange Sunny D carton make it questionable of its purpose in the film and whether it is a key element or indication of event in the narrative.

The cinematography is vast as, there are many different shot types as the use of different shot types register different elements of the narrative. For example some extreme wide shots show the setting, which in one case is the town- this advises the audience contextually what area she lives in and the type of social class she will be surrounded by indicated by the house size and outdoor decor e.g. flowerpots and clean painted fences. One-shot has evidently been used to apply detail as, it beholds iconography i.e. what she looks like and dresses like is an assumption of the characters age, which in this case is young. The darker colours within the opening scene help to withdraw attention to the character, as she is the focal point indicated through the colours applied to her being and clothes i.e. red and black. This could also considered, an indication of the genre as the cartoons quite simplistic therefore indicating that it is going to be comical.

The shots position the viewer In front but make it seem that the character is walking away in some elevations as, she walks directly in front and then, straight to the left- an on-going walk. She also walks toward the audience giving the impression of deep interaction with the audience almost making it seem like they are meeting the audience, which they are the first time. It can be noted, that we see, the audience see the character through the spectators eyes on the other side of the road. This is significant for the purpose that we are following JUNO through her walk, which will set her up in the equilibrium within the opening scenes.

The genre of the music that has been chosen is country western which has been specifically chosen towards he style also as country is associated with America which is the location of the film. American aspects are housing aspects- they have post-boxes outside stereotypically associated with America. The effects of the sound is to laugh as, it is rather joyous and encourages participation of singing along. Nevertheless, for English audiences it adds humour as, it is not as relevant in our charts music and just encourages laughter. In my own opinion I would described the song to be rather dated which is what makes it humorous as it doesn’t associate with built up America i.e. New York which is in a way a juxtaposition to the way America portray themselves to other countries as, they want to come across as, rather built up and wealthy. Therefore, the music suggests cheap campfires. Also, the reoccurrence of guitars is referencing the music as its very guitar based. This could be a significant item within the film possibly a safety blanket-something to hide behind.

The sequence has been edited to appear like a never-ending walk to a chemist the editing adds to the detailistic setting giving away the setting.  The editing seems to flow through transition to transition via the walk as, it continuously flows. The editing seems to flow to each as; the walk is continuously followed from different elevation and angles. To get to the next seen it matches the day through the sky and mise-en-scene i.e. lampposts.

The pace of the editing is quite quick as; it shows several settings i.e. housing, shops and alleyways.

The typography is evidently used to show a childish element, as it is bold with a shadow effect of the background suggesting that something is hidden within the film- a secret perhaps. The colour of the font changes but stays rather playful and simplistic as it is only one main colour with a white background. The fact that the font has not been completely filled by colour suggests a child will occur in the film as; it beholds themes like immaturity and mothering. The font stays the same in the film to secure consistency and continuity.

The significance in the positioning of the text such as where the stars appear is significant because if a shop occurs its consistently put in the window to reference a sign but the text is rather the second focal point to the drawings as they are used to keep the audience viewing. All writing that does occur is provided a frame by this I mean they don’t overlap the drawings that add to sophistication of the clip, which is quite juxtaposing, as it’s a cartoon.

The transition from next shot to next also has editing techniques such as when she is walking on a grey path from a low angle and then to eye to eye. The angle of shot suggests also suggest she is inferior to society as she is getting looked down upon.

The colours of the female’s outfit suggest that she is an individual that wants to fit in with society as she is wearing rather dark faded clothes, which are common within society. Almost making it seem like she is someone young adults can relate to which also, indicates the audience. The colours primarily fit in the backgrounds of towns, as walls are dark. Wearing items of black are a sense of secrecy indicating that she is hiding something.

The reoccurrence of the colour brown on every item drawn suggests that her life is rather dull and nothing of compelling interest. Brown is the same colour a cardboard maybe connoting the use of recycling and that she is poor and has to re-use things.
 

 Indication of the season is shown through the leaves occurs which is brown yellow and orange so autumn. Autumn is suggested as a waiting month for Christmas therefore, this may be suggested as a waiting film for something to happen occurs relating back to the maternal theme.

The change from normal picture to cartoon suggests that normality is lost and she is embarking on a mission to find out something, which will relate to the narrative.

It can be suggested the huge cartoon of juice is indicating that she has to drink a lot possibly because she needs to use the toilet or is dehydrated. If she needs to use the toilet it could be because she is going to take a pregnancy test and this would be where the film starts its equilibrium.

There is a reoccurrence of running men in the film suggesting that she is running away from a male or an issue affecting her specifically. She is also walking through a park within the sequence suggesting once again a newborn through the props of swing parks etc.

The fact that the female is walking away from the town more to a back street alley suggests that she is out casted and isn’t that popular within society she is also leaning over her shoulders. Moreover, this suggests that she through her body language doesn’t have self-respect for herself as she is very arched backed and just walking with a carton of orange juice.