I am Legend - Opening Scene

| We looked at the opening scene to the film I am Legend to introduce some different opening techniques to our work. In contrast to Book of Eli this landscape looks recently deserted (3 years) whereas it looks as though it has been forsaken a while ago.

Setting - The abandoned city shows the lack of human activity. However the fact that all the cars and shops are still in place but no bodies can be found allows the audience to question what happened to create such a place.

Sound - The wind and eerie quiet at the beginning shows lack of humanity. After the news report a sudden bang creates a sense of foreboding for the audience. The sound of a car being the only disturbance focuses the idea that the character is alone in this city.

Camera - The crane shot shows the citywide abandonment. Mid shots and tracking shots are also used to show the characters movements and his lack of facial expression as he knows he is alone.

Plot/narrative - the fact that the place was abandoned at Christmas shows an extra amount of hopelessness as even with all the spirit no-one could save them. The news story at the beginning helps to establish the story. The lack of joy from the doctor creates unease in the audience as they along with the doctor know something will probably go wrong. Animals are present showing the unnaturally of the apocalypse.

Character - the strong masculine male lead is typical of the post apocalyptic genre. The fact he needs to kill to survive strengthens the tone of the film as kill or be killed.