Opening Sequence Analysis: Apocalypse Now

This opening sequence has to be one of my favourite, and one of my favourite movies and i thought it would be perfect to analyse to get some inspirational when me and my group begin to make our opening sequence.

This sequence is genius as it allows the audience into the characters mind (Martin Sheen). It is clear that Martin Sheen has been at war and served for his country and we can see that he has bad thoughts of war and it plays on his mind all the time. The first shot is just of the Veitnam jungle, it is quite calm and relaxing however we begin to hear helicopters, this causes tension and scattered helicopters pass. We begin to hear the soundtrack, it is 'The End' by The Doors, this song is a classic and so fitting for the movie, it is very calm but with me being a huge Doors fan i know the meaning and feeling of the song.

Then out of nowhere a huge explosion occurs, but there is no sound effects, it almost seems as it hasnt happened. The camera begins to pan then we are now introduced to the character, it dissolves into the character  laying in bed and we can tell that these thoughts are coming from his head, it is a stern and serious face, in deep thought. Another layer of camera is a fan on the ceiling, this relates to the helicopters. these shots keep inter-linking showing the characters confusion and uncertain of dream and reality. We pan across alcohol which tells the audience that he is maybe depressed and traumatic state of mind and from being at war it suggest he has a severe case of Post Traumatic Stress.

The lighting and colouring in this sequence is quite dark and and faded to show that his thoughts are quite hazy and maybe to show it is dream like.