Film Openings Research

Hey guys! I've been researching a lot in the genre of drama and found a variety films in the sports concentration. I've come across interesting insights that relate directly to my portfolio! A film that has a lot to do with my genre is Rocky (1976). 

This movie is a sports drama film which correlates to my portfolio project. It has raw storytelling and just tugs at your heartstrings (spoiler: my project has something to do with that). The opening of Rocky is an unforgettable classic. The film begins with a shot of Rocky’s world: wrestling. This correlates a lot with my vision in starting the film off with a gymnasium and an all girls team doing flips and such. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. In Rocky's first few minutes that I would like to portray is how much it tells you about Rocky as a character without any complicated dialogue. We see him training hard, and just preparing for any upcoming fight, which gives us insight into his determination and perseverance. The slow buildup combined with an upbeat theme song (not the main but just a good beat) creates an positive connotation and connection right from the start. For my portfolio project, I’m definitely inspired by Rocky’s understated approach. This movie shoots more for an older audience, which is what my group and I want to achieve. 

    Another movie that I took a lot of information was my favorite film when I was younger.

 Full Out (2015) is a drama/sports family film, where a gymnast who dreams of going to UCLA for a gymnast scholarship, tragically gets into a car crash and her dreams are no longer possible. The film opening starts off with Ariana, the main character, showing actual clips of her doing gymnastics at 3 years old. This introduces how long she's been doing this sport, and emphasizing how vital gymnastics is in her life. Later, the videos shift into a competition that can define whether or not she goes to UCLA or not, a lot to process but at the same time, we see what is at stake for her. In such little time, the audience is hooked, which proves the film's opening successfully executes the main purpose. 

      As a little mix, another film I researched was The Fighter (2010), appears as an interview and we see a raw view of the main character. Starting off with "Am I looking into the camera right here?", clearly to show the audience that this is an amateur film with real pure feelings. I love when a film shows actual feelings and eventually evident personal conflict, it makes me want to keep watching to see how that person with resolve that problem or struggle. 

Now with this following information, my days will be to research make these elements drama sports films. Every film opening is unique (not original but unique). The next few days of this week will be pure research as well as group discussion to see how to correctly execute our ideas onto the screen. Next week, mood boards for every character shown will most likely be made, as well as the location of the film opening. See you all soon!