Film Opening Analysis: Reservoir Dogs

Year of release: October 23rd 1992
Director: Quentin Tarrantino
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Summary of what happens in the opening 2-5 minutes: All of the gang members are sitting around a round table in a diner. They are eating their breakfast whilst discussing various random issues or topics.
Locations: Diner
Characters: Mr. Blonde, Mr. Brown, Mr. White, Eddie, Joe, Mr. Orange, Mr. Pink, Mr. Blue
Enigma Codes: The anonymity of the characters is something which makes us focus in on their individual personalities and actions.
Cinematography and the effects: Bright morning light coming through the windows creating a clean and slightly alert atmosphere.
Editing Techniques and their effects: A camera pan is commonly used in a circular motion from the middle of the table to capture all of the characters in a short space of time. Quick close ups of different faces to familiarise the audience with all of the characters to create identity for each one, so the audience does not ignore any. Over the shoulder shots to create a sense of closeness within the table conference.
Use of Sound: The noise from plates and cutlery, background voices from other people in the diner. No music.
Genre Characteristics: Unusual camera angles, experimental dialogue.
Target Audience: Ages 15 to 35 would most prominantly watch this.
Titles: The titles are not used in this scene, they are used after the opening scene in the next scene. Possibly to initially develop a more intimate relationship between audience and the characters.