The Mummy Opening Sequence

Information: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, 1999

Director: Stephen Sommers

Stars: Brendan Frazer, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah

Opening Conventions- the Institution is Universal Studios so the audience recognises it and knows from expectations that its going to be a good film.

The music begins and is very eerie and powerful and sets the scene and the audience can establish what sort of genre it’s going to be without the scene starting.

A voice over is used which helps the audience understand what is going on and why certain things are happening and gives us background information on the main characters.

Narrative function- the film opens and shows its set in old Egyptian the audience knows this as its still being built. The film starts here then skips forward for the rest of the film so the audience understand the background story.  The storyline is shown about the two main lovers who are forbidden to be with each other so the audience know the storyline is based around the theme of love.  The first enigma used is why can’t the two lovers be together, and what’s going to happen between them. We are also told through the voice over that its set in Thebes city of the living and that Imhotep is the keeper of the dead which creates and enigma as to what’s going to happen with the dead and living and why is it focused upon.

Characters- The Pharaoh is introduced first he is riding his chariot and is dressed in gold armour is shown to be very powerful. We are next introduced to Imhotep the keeper of the dead immediately we are introduced the main theme of the film which is the dead and the living. He is shown gazing over the city through and over shoulder shot which then turns into a close up he is also shown to be powerful. Anuksunamun; the women is introduced by a voiceover as she walks over to Imhotep. She looks very flirtatious as she only wears makeup on her body and is shown to be quite revealing. We are also told through the voice over that P

Film Lang- MES, Cinematography (Light and colour)- it is obvious that the setting and location is in Egypt due to the pyramids and famous statues associated with Egypt. The main colour is gold which establishes wealth and power. ASN is also covered in gold and black makeup which makes her look beautiful and wealthy so audience knows that the characters are high up in society and have power. The colour used is light mainly by candles and is quiet dark and warming to show the time its set in and create more of a gold colour.

Film Lang- Movement, Framing, Editing and sound- the film starts with a long shot so the audience can clearly see where its set and is a crane shot as it shows the city and location while moving. Close ups are used when ASN and Imhotep are kissing and a he smudges the makeup this gives a clear clue to the audience that this part is important to the rest of the film. A silhouette is used when ASN stabs herself as it prevents the film becoming gory and is a clever way to show something important and taking into consideration that it’s PG. By the company not showing her clearly stab herself its more family friendly and sticks to the rules and is more likely to sell for their target audience.