Opening Sequence Analysis - Fast and Furious 7

Purpose 

The genre of the film is Action. The genre could be introduced to audiences by the big fighting scenes of Deckard Shaw, or at least the aftermath. The scene is packed with energy and they are carefully directed in order to deliver the greatest impact towards the audience. Also the explosion of the grenade that is given to the soldier by Deckard Shaw would encode the action genre in Fast & Furious 7's opening sequence. This also acts as an example of the film’s dangerous atmosphere and activities. The grenade scene combined with close-up shots of the grenade and the soldier's facial expression of surprise increases the intensity and suspense, showing Deckard’s ruthlessness and skill in combat. At the end of the opening credit, Deckard Shaw drives away in his sport car, this could be encoded that later in the movie there would be a scene of car chasing. This moment not only introduced the action genre but it also foreshadowed the high speed, intense car chasing sequences. By showing Shaw in a powerful car, the scene hints at the film’s focus on thrilling driving stunts which is the most famous theme in the Fast and Furious series. 

Representation of themes and title

Throughout the opening titles, we could decode Deckard Shaw’s intense desire for revenge as he stands by his brother’s hospital bed. The emotion shown by close-up shots and the dialogue encodes that he will get revenge on the enemies that hurt his brother. It is clear that his revenge on Dominic Toretto is very personal and it foreshadowed the conflicts between the 2 sides throughout the film. The sense of brotherhood is also shown in this opening credits as it is encoded through the dialogue of Deckard Shaw to his brother even though his brother is unconscious. The way that Deckard promised to revenge for his brother indicates the bonds between them.

Sound design

When Deckard was speaking to his brother, there was intense music which was being played in the background showing a heavy feeling in the atmosphere. Also, there are the diegetic peeping sounds of the medical machines which encodes the vulnerability of Owen (Deckard’s brother).

Camera work
The camerawork in this opening title helps to increase the emotional depth to the scene. For example, they used close-up shots on Deckard’s face to show his feeling of anger and this makes the audience feel the intensity of this moment. 

Mise-en-scene
The setting of the sequence such as the dim lighting in the hospital room adds a cold vibe to show the seriousness and dire of the situation. Also, his clothing adds depth to the character and therefore indicates the themes of power and anger. His dark suits in contrast to the bright hospital background makes him stand out as a figure of authority, mysterious, ruthlessness and dangerous

Typography
The typography in the opening credits of Fast & Furious 7 features a bold  font that helps to grab the audience’s attention to the movie. Also, it is a sans-serif font with sharp angles and clean lines which gives a modern and edgy vibe. This style really fits the film’s main focus on speed and action.

Done by Billy