Chatroom - Opening Sequence - G321 Section 2

G321 Chatroom Opening Sequence

Chatroom opens with a high-pitched sound; to most it would be likened to a technological sound when something is malfunctioning, sound similar to the sound effects used in movies such The Matrix and so therefore would trigger the audience to think about the Internet and technology.

As the non-diegetic sound continues through the opening credits, the film then begins to show the opening titles and through this they are using what appears to be the history from an online chat room. The colours are very visually contrasting and work effectively at grabbing the audience attention, as it is bold. Again the semiotics of red is that it connotes feelings of anger and also represents blood.

In the background, there is non-diegetic sound that can be heard of numerous people whispering and it works effectively as it is almost like the online chat room. The whispering works effectively because it is numerous characters whispering and so none can be made out what is being said. It can make the audience feel sub-conscious almost as if you are the subject of the whispers’ conversation and ‘gossiping’.

The scene then fades to black to reveal the protagonist playing with some sort of red play-do. The figure is being shaped into a human being and the camera turns to a mid shot of the protagonist, the audience is then revealed his facial appearance, then can they tell he is of a younger generation. The use of lighting in this scene, only makes his eyes visible, still shadowing the rest of his facial features; this gives hints to his personality and being closed up.

The camera angle then switches to further away displaying his dimly lit room (typical of a teenagers room) and shows little about him still due to the use of light.  However his computer is now illuminating up his face, the audience then can see his full facial features but not from close up. Camera moves to an over the shoulder shot of his computer screen and facially he looks puzzled.

The protagonist is then being seen walking through a corridor, the camera then moves upwards to show the extent of the lengthy corridor. As the protagonist passes by numerous doors, one especially named ‘twitter chitter’, at this point the audience will possibly begin to get that these are chat rooms online that he can enter. The soundtrack is very odd, I cannot really describe to why they have used it however it has a very good beat to it therefore it works well in keeping the audience with the movement in the scene.

Once the character reaches an empty door, he then proceeds to pull out a spray can and stencil saying ‘ Chelsea Teens’. It is clear to most in the audience by now that he has just created his own online chat group for “Chelsea Teens”. The glass then proceeds to mimic the introduction with the red group chat. Then the title ‘CHATROOM’ follows.