TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - Opening Sequence Analysis

How does the director use media techniques to make the “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” opening sequence effective? 

The director of the film uses mise en scene to create the image of destruction and demolition throughout the opening sequence to make it effective. He does this through making the scene take place in the setting of a dark sky, which is filled with miniscule stars that barely shine. The fact that the sequence is set in this location gives an idea that the film genre will be some sort of sci-fi or fantasy to the audience. Therefore, the sequence creates fear because of the idea of the unknown; the location is not Earth. Space is dark and endless and can be seen as a frightening setting by the audience. The fact that the robots that are involved in the war are also seen to be metal and be coloured in dark, grey tones emphasises the damage that is being done, due to the fact that the only bright colours seen are the bright lights from the guns being shot and the fires being started. The orange colour of the lights from the guns being fired connotes danger because they flash very quickly. These factors help the director to communicate that this is not a safe setting and that there is harm involved within the diegesis. This makes if effective because it helps to link in with the genre of the film so engage the audience. 

As well as this, the camera work helps to communicate destruction to the audience, as it seems a crane is being used to cover all the broken ships and guns that are being shot in this war of the autobots and decepticons. The crane goes around and over the different ships that are flying around the war as well. Also, the camera is seen tracking the ship as it flies through the war, making the audience more excited and immersed into the film as if they were there. At one point during the opening sequence, multiple missiles are seen following the main ship in a long shot until it inevitably blows it up. This helps to shock the audience, as they can see the severity of the war and the whole view of the missiles that spiral up to it, which builds the tension. The tension creates enigma, which makes the sequence effective because it means the audience want to continue and find out more. 

The sound of the opening sequence is mainly made up of one Optimus Prime, of the main characters’, voice over. The non-diegetic asynchronous sound contrasts the war going on because his voice is not aggressive; it is somewhat peaceful and confident. It resembles a parent telling a child a story and may give the idea that Optimus Prime is telling the story of the war through the voice over to the audience. As he is telling the story, the non-diegetic asynchronous sound of the triumphant music also plays in the background, which helps to distinguish the drama and action of the scene. As the main ship gets demolished during the sequence, Optimus Prime says the like "a hope that vanished". Before he says this, there is a pause, which also creates enigma. The line itself suggests that all hell has broken loose and it's the end of the world; the idea of no hope may initiate concern for the audience. 

Overall, the editing of the sequence aids the director in constructing an effective and enjoyable opening scene for the audience to view. It shows clear use on continuity editing, which is very fast-paced to emphasise the tension and panic that is within the characters and which the audience relates to whilst watching. The speedy-pace can also make the audience disoriented and confused about what is going on 100% of the time. They can therefore understand the characters and may feel as if they are also a part of the media text, which makes it effective. Mise-en-scene, camera work, sound and editing all come together perfectly to help make this opening sequence effective by creating a catastrophic atmosphere, which the audience can appreciate and immerse themselves in.