Pulp Fiction Opening Title Sequence

1. Film Opening Sequence Analysis
*Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice
Name:
Megan Hughes
My Analysis
Supporting Images
Cinematography
& Camera
Techniques
The film ‘Pulp Fiction’ contains a large variety of different shots in
its opening title sequence. For example, in the diner when we see
the waitress pouring coffee it’s close up on her face to show
facial expression, however, when the two customers (the man
and woman) stand up to begin the robbery they plotted for the
diner, it changes to a medium shot to more of their body is
included to show body language. Also, a lot of the time in the title
sequence you see two shots; when there is two subjects in the
scene at once (so for example the two customers having a
conversation in one of the booths at the diner).
Often we see over the shoulder shots and POV shots when the
two main characters are having a conversation as the camera
changes positions to where each of them are sat (or behind
them) when the other one is talking so you can see it from their
perspective. This is good for the audience as it gives them a
chance to see things through the characters eyes and it could
potentially be more welcoming.
A good example of an establishing shot is the way they show the
setting in the background (American diner theme) so it lets the
audience know the basics such as: what country it’s based in and
what era it’s set in… This then allows the audience to know
where the robbery they’re plotting will take place.
There are multiple examples of change in camera angles
throughout the film opening title sequence. You will find that the
angle changes often, almost in a matter of seconds because a lot
of the time they do it from the characters point of view. Due to
the characters being sat down during this scene, the camera is
angled at a very low point to show the audience that the camera
is almost exactly where the other person is sat.
POV SHOT
CLOSE UP SHOT
TWO SHOT // ESTABLISHING SHOT

2. Film Opening Sequence Analysis
*Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice
Use of tracking and zooming is shown throughout the dialogue
between the two characters. An example of tracking is when the
camera is angled at the man but is slowly moving across to the
right for a few seconds to show his face and body from a slight
different angle. An example of zooming is when the man is
plotting the robbery and the camera zooms into his face to show
his facial expression of being serious and eager.
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT
Visual Effects &
Colour Scheme
Within the opening title sequence, it’s obvious to notice that the
setting is in America due to the typical1950s theme dinner with
red booths and the way it’s all set out. Also, in the background
noise you can hear the typical diner music and games machines
and the other customers talking.
It looks as if the lighting is very natural and comes from the
window as if no artificial lighting has been used which creates a
shadow effect from the characters.
Genre Conventions
By watching the beginning of the opening title sequence you
would think that the film genre is comedy due to the characters
and the way they speak about the robberies they do as if it’s a
normal thing… Also, they kiss and talk to each other in a
hysterical over exaggerated way. As well as this their facial
expressions and body language indicate signs of comedy.
However it misleads you because as you get towards the end of
the sequence, a gun is brought out onto the table and right at the
end they threaten the diner and begin the robbery which
indicates signs of a crime/dark action/gangster/drama kind of
film.

3. Film Opening Sequence Analysis
*Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice
Narrative
The opening title sequence consists of just dialogue between the
3 characters and they basically explain to you what is going to
happen within the film. Whilst the 3 characters are speaking, it is
easy to recognise that the film is based in America due to the
American accent.
Throughout the title sequence there is a series of diegetic and
non-diegetic sound: Diegetic sound is for example, the characters
voices and non-diegetic sound is for example, the music in the
background.
Editing Techniques
There were only a couple of editing techniques shown in the Pulp
Fiction opening title sequence. One of them was the use of
cutaways when the robbery is about to take place; it occurs just
before the woman stands up to threaten people.
Title Credit Design
There were no titles featured within the opening title sequence
of Pulp Fiction.

4. Film Opening Sequence Analysis
*Comment on the following aspects in relation to your film opening title sequence choice