Case Studyy :)

 Up (2009) Opening Scene ; https://youtu.be/XO77YuyMOek?si=0KCcGZm7VbzjPOP5

This is my case study on the movie Up! I identified different elements of films by analyzing their opening scenes.

0:00 - 0:11:

The scene begins with a close-up shot of a camera flash, this sudden burst of light immediately draws the audiences attention and transitions into a mid shot and establishing shot of main character’s Carl and Ellie. It also includes close-up shots of the friends/people in attendance of their wedding. This use of intimate close-up shots allow the audience to feel personally connected and to think that they are at the wedding, the mid shot shows both of their perspectives toward getting married, they are both smiling and happy and that transitions into the establishing shot to show where they are getting married (a church) and the overall happiness/good vibes emanating from this section. The use of shallow depth of field during close-ups blurs the background, keeping the audience's focus on Carl and Ellie.

0:11 - 1:01:

The scene transitions from the church to outside what seems to be Carl and Ellies new home, and the creator uses shots such as establishing shots, close-up shots, over the shoulder shots, two shots and the reverse zoom camera movement to give us the observation of Carl and Ellie’s newly wedded life. The establishing shot shows them first going to their house while Carl carries Ellie (still in their wedding attire), to the close up transitioning into a establishing shot through reverse zoom to show them carving wood and nailing things to their windowsills to show them settling into their new home, the over the shoulder shot shows them moving around furniture to decorate their house and the last two-shot shows them personalizing their mailbox. All of these shots are working to make the audience be privy to the intimacy of the couple and make them feel as though they are actively knowing what is happening in their life after marriage.

1:02 - 1:18:

This scene shows Carl and Ellie from a low angle to a high angle showing their visions of the clouds looking like a range of animals to looking like babies. The scene uses a two shot including these angles in which the characters have silent dialogue to show the representation of their connection with each other in the expressive way we can see them talk to each other. These shots and angles are used to give the audience a feel of personal connection to/humanize these characters and shows the values and dreams of the couple.

1:18 - 1:31:

This portion of the scene uses an establishing shot paired with a pan movement. The scene shifts from them decorating/organizing a nursery in their house (right after they showed the scene of them looking at the clouds/symbolizing that sooner or later they will have a child) with all colorful/vibrant scenery to what looks like a dark and gloomy hospital with their room having light and the couple receiving some type of bad news from the doctor, as Ellie is crying into her hands while Carl comforts her. The shift shows the audience a difference from a happy, content, and carefree tone to a dreary, sad, and lifeless tone.

1:31 - 2:00:

This part of the scene uses many shots and angles/movements like an over the shoulder shot right after the bad news at the hospital to show the helplessness Carl feels seeing Ellie just staring out into the garden, a two shot combined with a low angle right after to show that he had an idea to comfort her by giving her a book with ways to further personalize their house (this symbolizes them finding joy in their house again), and an establishing shot paired with reverse zoom to show the audience the way they are going through with the ideas (they are putting up their own hand drawn painting on top of their fireplace and putting personalized little trinkets on the mantel). All of these shots/angles/movements encourage the audience to feel connected to Carl and Ellie’s journey and to respond with empathy and affection.

Reviewed by; Azmina Hossain