Opening Title Sequence Analysis - Guardians of the Galaxy

This opening title sequence begins with a focus pull on Groot, who appears to be the protagonist due to his

central placement within the wide shot. There is a strong use of diegetic sound as it draws the audience's attention to the action of monsters fighting in the background and then continues to the static noise of the chords connecting to the speakers, this adds an element of realism into a clearly fantasized world. The credits to the left of the shot are in a neon font which is just the outline of the text, this enhances the modern and raw impression the audience receive within seconds of the sequence playing. There is 2 fonts used which is intriguing to the eye as well as captivating. The light blue in the text connotes confidence, trust, loyalty and wisdom whereas the orange carries connotations of fascination, creativity, happiness and determination. The happy atmosphere presented by the text is reinforced by the non-diegetic soundtrack, the song, Mr Blue Sky. This is because the song has a 'feel-good' and light-hearted quality to it. 

Although the soundtrack and color-palette work harmoniously to enforce the joyful sense, it is a clear juxtaposition to the action and fighting taking place in the background of the shot. This is enigmatic as the audience would question why the delightful music and cheerful character is being placed in, what is commonly perceived as, an aggressive and tense scene. There are clear elements of the science fiction genre displayed to the audience, examples of these include: the non-human character/ monsters, the spaceship influenced setting and the explosions of bright colors and fire. Pyro-animation of explosions is a key theme in animated sci-fi films, this possibly explains the repetition of explosions as sit is to enhance the effect and make sure they are noticed by the audience. The color purple is introduced here which alludes to; power, mystery, independence and ambition which possibly foreshadows following scenes. Not only is there aspects of science fiction, but a hybridity of genres as there are comedic moments within the sequence. This includes, Groot eating a fly but being forced to spit it out, something that seems so minute in comparison to the action around the characters as well as the ending when he starts attacking someone significantly larger than him after they turn off the music.

Something extremely noticeable about the camera work and editing throughout the sequence, is the use of a single shot. There is no cuts throughout, which upholds the continuity and enforced the idea that the fight is taking place for a long period of time. The use of one long shot provides the audience with the opportunity to engage with the established mood, location and the character's relation with the physical space - here it is clear that Groot is comfortable in the space that the action is held in as he seems to know his way around everything and what to avoid. Lastly, the sequence is filmed in a cyclical structure asa it begins and ends with the protagonist, Groot, by the speakers he plugged in minutes prior. This works symbiotically with the single shot used as it presents the character's full journey around the space and creates an obvious beginning and end.