Reason for selection

For my opening scene, i have chosen the film 'The Island' to study, directed by Michael Bay.

The reason i have chosen this film is because i feel it has an interesting storyline, with a plot that has a lot of depth to it, which gives the film more meaning. I have also chosen it as it is the type of film that makes the viewer think, constantly wondering what will happen next and revealing the mysteries within the film.

The opening starts off showing the ocean and beautiful surroundings. We get introduced to a woman, a man and a boat, on which they're on. But the scene changes abruptly when the man gets pulled away, into the dark depths of the water. A series of images flashes on the screen, a montage, revealing parts of the mans life since his birth. Another man is shown saying things like 'You're special' and 'You have a very special purpose in life.' The scene then transforms into the the man asleep in his bed, where he suddenly awakes with a start. It was all a dream.

The reason i have chosen this opening scene is because it is a representation of what is to come into the film and be revealed. I also found that it had a range of techniques which were used in very interesting ways. I found it interesting that the opening is linked to what is to come in the film and the fact that they showed snippet's of the things that are yet to be revealed. The music was also very effective as it started off as heavenly, with powerful harmony's and put together with the beautiful scenery this gives the viewer the feeling of paradise and freedom, suggesting that the opening is dreamlike experience, until he is snatched away into the water, where the music abruptly stops.