Opening Sequence Analysis - Guardian of the Galaxy vol 1.

Camera Work Long shots show Peter Quill or Chris Pratt entering an abandoned ruin. Close-up and zoom used to show characters action on putting his earphone on, showing the audio player which is Sony (advertising product). Again the use of long shots from backward and forward of the character showing a different view of Peter Quill vibing with the music. Afterward moving to a far away angle with wide shots to introduce the film title in very bold typography. Tracking is used to follow the motion of the character when kicking some alien mouse. All of this helps to connote that Peter Quill maybe a very humorous person who love vibing with musics

Editing

Similar to Baby Driver, Guardian of the Galaxy vol.1’s opening sequence are also long continuous shots which help to enhance the continuity of this opening sequence. At the end of the credit, it uses reaction shots to allow the audience to know what the character is looking at. Turn out to be looking at the orb holding a shiny power stone. One of the special common things that we found on both Baby Driver and Guardian of the Galaxy is that it has a long continuous shots accommodate with a very distinct soundtrack, For the case of Guardian of the Galaxy, the soundtrack used is Come and get your love, a funk and rock genre which creating a sense of humor and active. Mostly low-key lighting since the setting is in the abandoned ruins, some artificial lights coming from the roof of this cave.

Sound design

Use of diegetic sounds of water splashing, sounds of alien creature “suspect to be a mouse”. In the opening part, there’s a use of some ethereal sound effect to encode a sense of mysterious and surrealism. However, after Peter Quill has put his earphone on, the soundtrack seems to subvert the opening part where the song Come and get your love turned on. After taking off the futuristic face mask and headpiece, there’s a very electrical sound as well. There has been an effective use of sound design in order to fit with the setting of this opening sequence, not only enhance audience experience but also add to the reality of this opening sequence.

Mise-en-scene

Use of futuristics bodysuits and face masks which are relevant to the setting of ancient abandoned ruins. A headphones and Sony audio player is used which is attached to the body suits. “Alive micro” is the word to describe Peter using an alien mouse as the micro when singing to the lyrics of the song, he’s also dancing with a skeleton as well.

Key takeaway

1. Could use a long continue shots to enhance the continuity of the opening sequence

2. Use of long/wide shots to shows the opening title

Done by Jackie