Analysis of an Opening Title Sequence

I analysed a film's opening sequence so that I could understand what my production should look like in terms of how it will be establishing the characters and the setting. The structure is also influential because I could plan my final production in a similar way. 

Little Miss Sunshine

We first see a shot of Olive Hoover watching a television programme about a beauty pageant and the crowning of Miss America. The low angle shot shows that she feels in power for a while, but I think the light coming from the windows in the background help to show how innocent she is. One hand is holding the remote controller and the other is clutching her slightly rounded stomach. Her size is an important aspect to the story.



The viewers can clearly see again Olive’s chubby body and already know that she would never be able to win such a competition. We clearly see again Olive’s chubby body, the high angle shot now shows us that she is small and vulnerable.

Richard Hoover is the father of Olive and Dwayne and thinks he is the man of the house. A side profile of his face dominates the frame at a low angle giving the impression that he has a lot of power. We can clearly see his large, exaggerated arm gestures which help him to emphasise what his trying to say.




I found his audiance size was a little disappointing and perhaps it will be surprising to some viewers. This anti-climax moment hints his future failures, giving the viewers a clue as to what will unavoidably happen to Richard’s disastrous project.




Showing a successful bench-press from Dwayne could show there is a small amount of hope, partnered with a lot of determination and struggle so we can all learn from his persistence. On the wall in the background, a painting of Friedrich Nietzsche is deliberately placed there.



The very low camera angle shows Grandpa taking drugs secretly; I think the feeling of having a “hidden” camera gives the effect of seclusion and also a surprise reveal. The cut-in which showing his delicate movements in his hands.

 In the hospital Franks is sitting alone, situated at the far left side of the camera’s view.  The wide shot is done for the purpose of showing how empty and basic the rest of the room is, implying no one cares that he has been left there.

The title is incorporated into the last few frames of this sequence and shows contrasting ideas because the word “SUNSHINE” is written in bold capital letters which are superimposed across Frank’s depressed face. The irony of this may seem humorous to the audience as there is no correlation between his appearance and the words.