O Brother Where Art Thou?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIeKClCQ4Y  

Cant find video that i can insert, so the link is all i have.

Part C

• The opening shot (establishing shot) gives a view over a vast, empty field, with sight of desolate land as far as the eye can reach. This is used to express the view of the prisoners on the chain gang, showing how empty they feel, and how separated they are from the rest of society.As the camera pans to the left, it shows how still and depressing the environment and atmosphere is, not only in one area, but everything surrounding the prisoners.The use of this wide establishing shot is very effective in the way of capturing the surrounding and delivering the image of an extremely large and empty land. This helps develop perspective  on how small the area the prisoners are confined to, and how a prisoner would be so close to freedom, but be kept by enjoying it by  being bound in chains.
• The visual theme created by the dust, long stretch of road, and glaring sun portray a common setting in mississippi around the late 1930's.By using very natural imagery, the viewer automatically recognizes the surrounding, and can relate it to actual experiences. Along with the use of natural imagery, the use of old time themed lettering for the credits  and the song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" helps lighten the mood, suggesting that the film is a comedy, which relieves the otherwise dramatic feeling theme.
• Before the establishing shot, the sound of pick axes and hammers smashing stone can be heard. This conveys a monotonous and harsh feel , before any image (other than the Universal Studio emblem) is shown.Soon after  the pick axe & hammers can be heard, insect noises can be heard, instantly suggesting that the setting takes place in a natural environment.. As the three main characters are running through the crop field, you can hear the chains that they are bound by rattling , even though you cannot see them. this is why they are falling over and struggling while attempting their escape from the chain gang.After the three make it out of the crop field, they catch a chicken and cook & eat it around a fire, during which time they can hear Bloodhounds barking. This informs the viewer that they have to carry on with the escape, even after they free themselves from labor.
• Although the use of the natural lighting of the sun creates a natural, summery & warm feeling, it also blends all of the scenery together, as a bland , brownish tint, contributing to the depressing tone. Later on in the opening sequence, the three characters are seen running down a dirt road.Surrounding them, are the browning autumn leaves, still retaining a yellowish color.These colors on the trees help create a contrast between the huge dusty field, and suggest that there is glimmer of hope in the depressed, dying mississippi.
• The first characters that are seen are men on horses with guns, supervising the chain gang. One of the guards are clearly seen in the forefront of the image, looks very tall compared to the rest of the prisoners, due to him being on a horse , and being very close to the camera. The guard, emphasized by his height compared to the prisoners , is shown as being steadily in control over the men in striped outfits, and the large gun that he is holding seems to enforce his dominance over the prisoners.The men in the chain gang are presented as a whole group, rather than being individuals.The outfits that they are wearing cause them to lose their identity amongst society, and seem to degrade them as much as the menial labor they are forced to do.The three main characters Everette,Pete and Delmar , are clearly afraid of being captured again by the prison guards. This fear of being caught is shown when the three hear blood hounds barking, and are instantly startled, shown by their facial expressions and reaction to the sound.

I have chosen to do my project on the opening sequence of O Brother Where Art thou. The opening begins to  paint a picture of the 30s at the very start, including a chain gang breaking stones and singing. The late 30's themed music sets a mood of a depressed southern America. The dusty road sets the backdrop for the rest of the film, establishing a clear setting very early.The repetitive sound of the pick axe hitting the stones  sets monotonous tension, and gives the viewer an impression on prison life at the time. The prison gaurd patrolling the area where the prisoners are working creates an oppressed atmosphere, and reflects the feeling sourrounding the era. The harsh conditions of the labour inspired the three men to escape even more than the thought  of freedom.Later on in the sequence, it shows the three men struggling to run as they are bound by chains, it gives an early impression that the three are close, but they lack communication with each other.This opening sequence appeals to me as i have an extended interest in the late 30's early 40's depression era and the social issues that were dealt with at the time.

6102 say what

Ive been thinking about my media studies project and the opening title sequences
The following are movie seqeunces that i am comsidering doing my project on:
Resident Evil: Apocolypse
The Labrynth
The Warriors
 Land of The Dead.
O Brother where art Thou