Mean Girls Opening Scene Analysis

Mean Girls Opening Scene Analysis

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Paramount Pictures is shown to represent the film. Paramount’ this is a huge film corporation who are famous for making many high quality films such as, ‘Forrest Gump’,‘Titanic’, and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ this shows the audience that this film will be of a very high standard and therefore a worthwhile viewing. The paramount logo at the beginning shows the audience that the film will be as authentic and realistic as possible, despite the institution primarily making money from the film. The credits in the opening scene are effective as they display well-known actors/actresses such as Lindsay Lohan, again helping to attract the audience’s attention as well as suggesting that the film is good. The lack of organisation shown by the way the credits are distributed across the screen gives the impression they have just been thrown there in a rush, suggesting a comedy genre. The titles of Mean Girls are a very good representation of its genre. A juxtaposition of font is used, with MEAN being in large, bold, rounded font and GIRLS being in a thinner, darker font. Not only is this eye catching, it unveils much about the film itself. The word ‘girls’ appears to be much more feminine than the world‘mean’ because of its colour and also considerably smaller, suggesting that the film will evolve around the girl’s behaviour towards each other. The audience are also able to connote from the titles that the film is of a ‘chick flick’genre.

Immediately, the audience are introduced to the main characters and their background by the use of narrative. The narrative is effective as it reinforces the chick flick/comedy genre making the film light hearted and an easy watch. The non-diegetic voice over allows the main character – Cady, to introduce herself to the audience, providing background information and creating an interest. The colloquial tone of her voice makes the audience feel as though they already know her, making the connection between the audience and the film more successful. Slightly sinister, soft piano music is played as the credits role, representing Cady’s unfortunate high school experience, adding to the comedy theme. A soundtrack is played in the background with pop music as Cady walks into school, reflecting the implied music taste of the characters and of the general time period, appealing to the targeted audience.

Cady as a character is portrayed as lost and fragile in the opening scene as she is not at all aware or used to the surroundings around her. She is dressed casually in normal clothes, which causes the audience to expect her to fit in. The play on the stereotypical expectations of an American High School adds to the comedy aspect of the film as cliques are taken to an extreme, showing how in fact, Cady does not fit in at all. The authentic mise en scene is effective as it portrays everything expected, such as the yellow American school bus, as well as contributing to Cady’s misfortune which in turn contributes to the audience’s enjoyment. The mise en scene together with the diegetic sound of the loud school bus sounding its horn as Cady is nearly run over effectively builds a humorous opening enticing the audience to watch more.
 
A variety of different shot types are used in the opening sequence. The scene opens with point-of-view shots through Cady’s eyes, looking up at her parents giving the audience the impression that Cady is young and naïve. This is then enforced as the parents are shown through a low angle shot looking at Cady, making her look weak and at a disadvantage, or suggesting that they are very protective over her. When we come to learn that Cady is actually a 16 year old girl starting high school, not her first day at school this shocks and amuses the audience, suggesting Cady comes from a very over protective family which typically leads to an amusing watch. Before Cady enters school, a number of close up shots are used to portray her emotions clearly to the audience, making them feel sorry for her.

Despite the close ups the editing pace begins to get faster, emphasising her nervousness. The editing techniques used add to the connection that the audience feel between them and the main character. Freeze frames are used to create the effect that a photo is being taken; this is used to make the audience feel as though they are witness to a memorable moment of the family’s. It also adds to the humour of the situation as Cady is shown to be feeling exasperated as her Mother begins to cry, helping to make the audience warm to her and her family. The editing is slow when Cady is at home suggesting she feels calm and relaxed, however the audience’s attention is grasped by the narrative, ensuring they do not get bored.