A media analysis of the opening of Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

1. Star Wars episode VI: Return of the Jedi
- An establishing shot to set the scene and to show the audience where they
are (space). Also to give an idea of genre (sci-fi) and to fit the iconography of
the previous Star Wars films which have mostly begun with an establishing
shot.
- From this establishing shot the audience can also see the spacecraft (the
Death Star) and can note that it is still under construction

2. - The first scene (establishing shot) is unusually long while the spacecraft
moves into the frame, allowing the audience to build an idea as to just how
large the craft is, and creating the assumption that it is important and
dangerous. The longer the shot progresses the larger the scale of power the
audience interprets.
- Close-up of technology helps to reassure the audience that the film genre is
sci-fi
- Non-diegetic sound of a siren or alarm, giving the impression of danger as the
ship approaches and creating apprehension in the audience about the
passengers within the spacecraft

3. - The iconic Star Wars soundtrack is also used to give importance to the ship
and its contents and the darker tone to the music gives the impression that
they are the ‘bad guys’ or the ‘antagonists’
- A wide shot showing the people on board the ‘Death Star’ lined up to greet
the new arrival, giving the impression that the person is significantly
important and respected
- A tracking shot is used to follow the Commander as he walks down the aisles
of gathered people or soldiers. This portrays to the audience that he is a
figure of authority and importance.

4. - The man’s uniform design also distinguishes him from the other men, making
him appear to be more important than them – possibly some kind of higher
ranking officer
- A close up of the Commanders face is used to show his tense and nervous
expression to the audience; giving the impression that he is afraid of
uncertain of the person exiting the spacecraft
- A tilt shot is used to show the importance and power of the new arrival
(Darth Vader)

5. - The iconic Star Wars theme song which plays in the background as Vader
appears shows that he is a highly significant and important character. Though
the darker tint in the music suggests he is a villain.
- Vader’s all black attire gives the impression of a ‘bad guy’
- The diegetic sound of Darth Vader’s heavy breathing is an iconic sound to the
Star Wars franchise and allows the audience to identify the character before
the tilt shot has even reached his face (mask)
- An over shoulder shot from Darth Vader to the Commander to show how Vader’s
words effect the emotion of the other character – he becomes fearful at the mention
of the ‘Emperor’ showing the audience that the Emperor is a dangerous villain
Genre: Sci-fi
Iconography:
-Space – helps the audience place the genre as sci-fi
-Space crafts – portrays the idea of space travel (stereotypical of sci-fi)
-Technology – technology is typically shown within sci-fi films to show advancement
(the future)
-Soundtrack – instantly notifies the audience of the iconic franchise
Conventions:
-Main character (villain) introduced
-Theme song played
Narrative: Fabula (non-chronological)
Enigma Codes:
-Where are they?
-Who is the Emperor?
-What are they doing?
-Who are they?

6. - The iconic Star Wars theme song which plays in the background as Vader
appears shows that he is a highly significant and important character. Though
the darker tint in the music suggests he is a villain.
- Vader’s all black attire gives the impression of a ‘bad guy’
- The diegetic sound of Darth Vader’s heavy breathing is an iconic sound to the
Star Wars franchise and allows the audience to identify the character before
the tilt shot has even reached his face (mask)
- An over shoulder shot from Darth Vader to the Commander to show how Vader’s
words effect the emotion of the other character – he becomes fearful at the mention
of the ‘Emperor’ showing the audience that the Emperor is a dangerous villain
Genre: Sci-fi
Iconography:
-Space – helps the audience place the genre as sci-fi
-Space crafts – portrays the idea of space travel (stereotypical of sci-fi)
-Technology – technology is typically shown within sci-fi films to show advancement
(the future)
-Soundtrack – instantly notifies the audience of the iconic franchise
Conventions:
-Main character (villain) introduced
-Theme song played
Narrative: Fabula (non-chronological)
Enigma Codes:
-Where are they?
-Who is the Emperor?
-What are they doing?
-Who are they?