Film Opening Analysis: Harry PotterPotter And The Philosopher's Stone

The opening scene of any film is vital as it determines whether or not the audience continues to watch the film. In addition, a good opening sets the mood and tone for rest of the movie.

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the scene begins with the owl sitting on a “private road” sign. The owl connotes wisdom and is associated with magic, which hits the genre of the film to the audience.

Furthermore, mise en scene is used to present the location of the film. In a dark and misty environment, which suggests secrecy. 

The uses of fantasy elements are established early in the opening scene. As the camera pans around the location, to get the audience to observe the setting, a figure makes its way out of the forest.

From the character present in the scene, we are able to guess the genre, which is fantasy. We know this because normally we associate robe, pointy hats and long white beard with wizards. This is because in the genre fantasy it includes magic and other supernatural elements.

In order to make the wizard look powerful and strong, low angle shot it used, which suggests that he plays an important character in the film. The scene then cuts to a close-up shot of a futuristic tool the wizard uses to turn off the lights on the streets. Implying, whatever appears in the next few scene is confidential and top secret.

We then meet a female character, after transferring from a cat to human, that strongly disagrees with the decision the wizard has made. Making the audiences curious and intrigued by the plot/storyline. Despite that an unusual source of light comes towards the characters, which then turns out to be a flying motorbike, further confirming the genre and the typical conventions.

 

Once we get introduced to the all the characters in the scene. They then make their way onto a doorstep, of an unknown character, with the decision to leave the baby.

The scene then ends as the camera zooms into an extreme close up shot of the scare on the baby’s head. This symbolizes the character so the audience can later identify him, as we will be seeing him a lot.   

Thought out the opening scene the background music creates mystery and builds up the tension. Due to the fact it sounds very magical, supernatural and mystic.