Continuity - Opening Scene (BLK)

The opening scene that I have chosen to analyse is that of the 2012 comedy "The Dictator". The opening scene is split into 2 sequences. The first sequence is when he is walking down the corridor with a guard border.  The second sequence is when he is delivering his speech to the public. Before either of these sequences however, there are a couple of establishing shots that set the scene.

The first group of shots are extremely effective in my opinion. This is because there are no glitches within the shots of him walking. Plus, the montage of close ups are very interesting, especially because they don't show his face. This builds up anticipation for what he looks like, whilst the close up of items like his golden pistol, plethora of medals and pointed finger will give you an idea of what he should look like and in turn an impression of his character. The sequence must have been filmed multiple times in order to utilise the match on action technique. This is what ensured that there were no jumps in the walking sequence. The sequence also follows the 180 degree rule, as well as the 30 degree rule.

The second sequence of shots are fairly effective as well. The main technique used in this sequence is match on action. Yet again, the sequence would have been recorded multiple times and from multiple different angles in order to ensure his body language and actions are consistent. It also ensures that his voice is always in sync with his movement. I suppose you could say the sequence also has a few shot-reverse-shots between him and the public. These shots allow you to see how and what he is saying and then to see the public's reaction to it. Also, you could argue that the director makes sure that there is always a person in the background of each shot in order for the audience to always see a reaction for what the dictator is saying - it also helps develop the setting. Fairly early on in the second sequence, there is a master shot, showing the full geographical location (the public, the dictator, the palace and the desert).

Between both sequences of shots and the establishing shots, it is clear that there is a massive variety in shot types, which will help keep the opening scene interesting and aid the audience in understand the scene and setting.