FYI, I've still got lots and lots of Opening Shots stacked up to publish, including (off the top of my head): Truffaut's "Day for Night," Paul Schrader's "Cat People," Joe Dante's "the 'burbs," Bob Zemeckis's "Used Cars," Tarkovsky's "Andrei Rublev," Peter Weir's "Picnic at Haning Rock," Paul Thomas Anderson's "Punch Drunk Love" and many, many others. Just haven't been able to work on this stuff as much as I should because of daily reviewing obligations. But I'm gonna try to get to another batch this week, if I possibly can...
Preview of Coming Attractions
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"I don't think you go to a play to forget, or to a movie to be distracted. I think life generally is a distraction and that going to a movie is a way to get back, not go away." -- Tom Noonan
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5 Comments
Dementia 13, F.F. Coppola's first film has a great opening sequence, and I hope you include it.
toenail painting as lush music wafts over the opening shot of Kubricks "Lolita"
Even if you think the rest of the movie's crap, the opening to BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES is pretty amazing. About 10 minutes of uncut steadicam work through parties, kitchens etc.
How about the opening shot of Jane Campion´s "The Piano"? It´s absolutely crucial in establishing the heightened level of intimacy with Holly Hunter´s character and serves as a counterpoint to the luscious landscape photography throughout the rest of the film.
One of my favorites first shots is from Lost in Translation... It sets up the tone for the whole film; however, it can also be appreciated without seeing the rest of the movie, or even framed on one's wall.
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