Art of the Opening Scene - How to Start a Movie 6 Different Ways, From Nolan to Baumbach

The Art of the Opening Scene - six methods of how to start a movie using character introductions, character dynamics, cold opens, and genre rules.
25 Best Opening Scenes in Movies ►► bit.ly/op-sc
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro - The Opening Scene
01:20 Technique 1: Enter the Villain
02:07 Technique 2: Enter the Hero
03:39 Technique 3: Establish Relationships
05:17 Technique 4: Plot Catalyst
07:03 Technique 5: Follow Genre
08:24 Technique 6: Flip Genre
10:40 Flashbacks
10:52 Flash-forwards
11:27 Dreams
11:53 Metaphors
12:15 Bookends
12:30 Red Herrings
13:17 MacGuffins
13:48 Final Takeaways
How to start a movie - obviously, there is no single answer to that question but there are ways to find the perfect opening scene. The first scene in any story has a great burden placed on it and the decision of how to open a movie should be given careful consideration. In this video essay on the art of the opening scene, we will examine six methods that illustrate the various ways to begin a movie. Let’s start with how to introduce a villain or hero.
When the ensuing story follows the combative relationship between a hero and villain, it can be advantageous to make those introductions as soon as possible. Especially, in the case of The Dark Knight - when we already know plenty about Batman from the earlier film - setting up his primary adversary for this chapter sets the bar for what he will be facing for the rest of the film. In Skyfall, even though we had our formal introduction to James Bond in Casino Royale, we can add a new layer onto both his characterization and plant a story problem for him in this new chapter.
In Marriage Story, writer/director Noah Baumbach shows us how to start a movie with pure characterization. We are introduced right away to Charlie and Nicole with an extended montage of their personalities, and a brief history of their marriage. For this movie, this opening scene is perfectly suited to give us as much information and sympathy about this couple before we see their separation and divorce for the rest of the film. Without this opening sequence, our ability to sympathize can decrease.
In Uncut Gems, we skip the character introduction altogether and begin with the plot device that will kickstart and motivate the characters throughout. The opening scene takes place in an Ethiopian mine where a rare and mystical gem is unearthed. The power and influence this gem has is given center stage before we meet any characters.
Finally, in La La Land and Get Out, we have two genre films (musical and horror, respectively) that begin with opening scenes meant to obey and break their genre rules. In La La Land, before the main character introductions, we get an explosive opening sequence full of bright colors, elaborate choreography, and a mix of fantasy and reality that musicals are known for. In Get Out, we have a mix of tones in the opening scene: both comedy and horror. This hybridization of the genres clues us in that the following movie will meet but also challenge the pre-established genre rules.
Whether you choose a character introduction, establish the character dynamics between the main characters, or set up the genre, how you begin a movie matters.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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Songs used:
"Also Sprach Zarathustra" - Richard Strauss
"Rainy Night in Tallinn" - Ludwig Göransson
"Exit Strategy" - Alternate Endings
"The A400 Intro" - Joe Kraemer
"Bank Robbery (Prologue)" - Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard
"Grand Bazaar, Istanbul" - Thomas Newman
"Skyfall (Instrumental Cover)" - Adele
"What I Love About Nicole" - Randy Newman
"What I Love About Charlie" - Randy Newman
"A Time For Love" - Bill Evans
"The Ballad Of Howie Bling" - Daniel Lopatin
"Uncut Gems" - Daniel Lopatin
"High Life" - Daniel Lopatin
"Another Day of Sun" - La La Land OST
"Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga" - Michael Abels
"Run Rabbit Run" - Flanagan and Allen
"Hold Your Breath" - Astyria
"Roller Skates" - Virgil Arles
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Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by Music Vine ► bit.ly/2IUE0pT
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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[@StudioBinder]

Chapters: 00:00 Intro - The Opening Scene 01:20 Technique 1: Enter the Villain 02:07 Technique 2: Enter the Hero 03:39 Technique 3: Establish Relationships 05:17 Technique 4: Plot Catalyst 07:03 Technique 5: Follow Genre 08:24 Technique 6: Flip Genre 10:40 Flashbacks 10:52 Flash-forwards 11:27 Dreams 11:53 Metaphors 12:15 Bookends 12:30 Red Herrings 13:17 MacGuffins 13:48 Final Takeaways

[@fedenavarro3466]

The list of movies please!!! Thank you!!

[@StudioBinder]

@@fedenavarro3466 Movies are listed on the bottom right of the screen as they appear!

[@DDumbrille]

The announcer/voice over dude is SO wrong for this. Should've had a real screenwriter or producer narrate it. Really bad job...

[@KootFloris]

I think you forgot opening scenes that betray the whole movie, in ways you'll only realize when analyzing the movie afterward. You refer to it in Bond and Get Out, but then only related to one aspect. I mean encompassing the whole movies essence. Now you want an example, and I remember seeing a video on it, but not the movie. Sorry.

[@Digitalhunny]

The narrator of this video is God tier level! Just _WoW!_

[@diptendupaul4686]

I think for The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, Nolan begins those films by introducing us to the Antagonists and what they are capable of. This is because we are already aware of how the Protagonist, Bruce Wayne has become The Batman and achieved the heights of a Hero in the first film of the Trilogy.

[@StudioBinder]

That's an interesting take!

[@marckolsters2279]

Yes, I agree. I am working on a script now that does that. Show what the Antagonist can to set it up for later.

[@Yvaelle]

Just to hammer that point home, the opening scene of Batman Begins is Bruce falling down the well and being paralyzed in fear of bats, unable to act (the start of his heroes journey). So Batman Begins breaks the pattern of Enter The Villain, by starting with Enter The Hero, rather than focusing on Ras Al'Ghul: the antagonist of the first movie. It's not just that Nolan prefers starting with Enter The Villain's, he's making a deliberate choice to start with the protagonist of the story. Alternately, he may also always be starting with the protagonist, in a sense. Batman is the protagonist and hero of the first movie, but in TDK the Joker is the character that the movie is really about, Batman is a known quantity - so Joker is the star of the movie, even though he's the Villain. The movie becomes about how Batman is changed by the Joker - in a sense Joker successfully kills the idea of Batman, as he retires between movie 2 and 3: the idea of Batman The Hero no longer being helpful to Gotham - he even accepts the crimes of Harvey Dent and becomes Batman The Villain, because that's what Gotham needs (remaining to the audience a selfless hero of course, but not the general public). In Rise he again begins with Bane as the opening scene on the plane heist, because Bane is the protagonist of the plot even though he's the villain. I think the intention with Rise was to show that Bane changes Batman to realize he cannot win every fight alone, he needs a team - it was supposed to introduce Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) and Robin (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): but Rise didn't stick the landing the way that TDK did. Still the idea was the same, start with the protagonist in all three movies, even when in two of those movies it's the villain.

[@diptendupaul4686]

@@Yvaelle That's also an interesting point out!

[@AnkitSharma-fu9io]

Great point

[@Evan_Makeba]

The golden lesson I took from drama school was: Always start a story running. NEVER let you audience catch up to you. Always be 3 steps ahead of their expectations.

[@gandharvatalkies]

Ya this is wonderful information,. I helped me to think of my stories in a different way.. thanks for sharing this @Fox makeba

[@shramantayade3136]

Bro are you passionate about filmmaking

[@theocoles6827]

@@shramantayade3136it’s called a job

[@ConcealedWeaponry]

Can you elaborate on this technique?

[@gaugea]

@@ConcealedWeaponry you don’t want your audience bored-you dont want your audience even just satisfied- you want to give them what they want before they know they want it. Think of it like a rollercoaster, some rollercoasters start right away while others use a chain pull to the top of a hill. There’s times for both, but either way, an engaging introduction has the audience invested right away.

[@filmreviewer117]

Baby Driver, gives us so much about the main character, the tone of the film, and the level of action was about to witness without a line of dialogue.

[@StudioBinder]

It's one of the best opening sequences!

[@XtraCryspy]

My favorite opening

[@BriannaRoseCinematography]

I just watched that film recently! I have tinnitus and I wish they would have emphasized more on how detrimental it is instead of just a slight volume of ringing. Im sure they didn’t want to terrorize their audience by going too loud but I feel it would have conveyed to people much more on how bad it really is and would have brought more intensity to the character, and yes now every time I zip my roommate around somewhere real fast I say “They don’t call me Baby for nothing 😎” haha she is the one that insisted I watched it since I am a film student

[@ryansizemore5064]

Well considering it almost 100% ripped off the transporter I would hope they would have got 1 part of that movie right. Baby Driver fucking sucks.

[@robgamble1083]

Baby driver is one my favorites 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@dwi.widodo]

The opening scene from Godfather is one of the best. It's so simple yet powerful.

[@StudioBinder]

The entire opening sequence is a feat

[@thereccher8746]

I believe that one would factor under Enter the Hero, because we're introduced into Don Corleone's world.

[@atomsmovie]

What makes it the best opening scene?

[@frostgamez9368]

I love how the man begins talking about how much he loves America and he “believes in America” and the good things it’s done for him but then does a 180 and instantly describes how that love is destroyed by that same America. Sums up the illusion and reality of America in a few seconds

[@stevenbenedict4424]

@@atomsmovie Because it takes its time in revealing so many things, and by taking its time gets YOU asking questions. Where are? Who is this guy on screen? Who is he talking to? And then in the opening speech delivered by Bonasera, four major themes are introduced: religion, capitalism, patriarchy and power. Oh, and they are all intersected by criminality. It sets the tone, pace and plot, plus the visual style.

[@ricimercury9490]

I still remember when I went deaf in an IMAX screening of TENET

[@VonJay]

Damn you saw it in iMax. Damn

[@leonmayne797]

RIP.

[@StudioBinder]

That is an amazing experience

[@nelisezpasce]

what did he mean by this

[@daniellatteo_thefilmmaker]

@@nelisezpasce Maybe he literally died of boredom.

[@From_Liebert-]

Dark knights opening scene gives us the mind of Joker,how intelligent he is that's why it was the perfect opening

[@VonJay]

Loved the dark Knight, thought that that opening was really unrealistic

[@soorajunnithan8424]

Exactly 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥the dark Knight pure old in history of cinema

[@CrudeHen]

It also sets up the power he holds over the Mob’s money and how he got it. Instantly setting up the relationship with the Mob, Batman and the Joker

[@StudioBinder]

One of the best openers

[@brnsimao]

but it kind stinks, i mean, i love nolan, but if the joker already have the makeup on his face when reveals to the director of the bank, it means when they pickup him, (when he is waiting on the street with mask on his hands) the robbers who pick up him already saw he is the real boss

[@kojisan1]

14:18 -> You guys killed with the "Hi, babe" from The Room playing with the music of 2001: A Space Oddisey. Bravo.

[@StudioBinder]

Combining the best scenes together 😂

[@shailu210]

A new film school has arrived. 🙌

[@StudioBinder]

Online, remote, and free :)

[@nextgenguy687]

Well its not new..if you'r seeing this now☺

[@linusmaximilian6568]

@@StudioBinder that's why we love you

[@charliebrown9489]

U geeked!?

[@swagcat428]

In we outta the hoods of America

[@laurencewhite3615]

I adore the opening of Marriage Story, it’s so beautiful

[@StudioBinder]

a very intimate opener for sure

[@Rajatsharma-mk5df]

Yes i agree with all my heart😊

[@shaktishivanand624]

Me too

[@wiktoriajablonska638]

I love opening scene of 'Whiplash'. I watched this interview with the director, Danielle Chazelle and he said that he wanted to introduce not only main characters, but the subject of the movie which was the relationship between two in opening scene and I think he did it perfectly

[@empresssk]

Omg! Yes. The first scene did not let up!! Fantastic example

[@aamirrazak3467]

Agreed the opening scene set the stage for a truly incredible film

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

Favorite opening is Inglorious Bastards

[@chefmagneto]

100%

[@chefmagneto]

@ANDY LUMEH © I bring you Gold. Hahahahahahahaha Hahahahahahahaha Hahahahahahahaha Hahahahahahahaha

[@ababycow]

Didn't expect to see you here

[@toveliu1677]

is it 'follow genre' type? or a flip genre one?

[@jayfolk]

the first 10min of a film are important because no leaves the theatre in the first 10min, its the time to impress AND tell the audience what the film will be about through implication, theme, or foreshadowing. adding the opening scene to the plot can be extremely beneficial, and make for a more cohesive narrative experience. Don't start with action unless you can keep it up for the rest of the film - like Mad Max Fury Road, otherwise you rev up the audience but then you make them wait and wait for the next burst of energy. So plan ahead. Try to focus: character, conflict, world, then spectacle (action, screams, laughs, cries).

[@StudioBinder]

Mad Max is the best example on how to open with action and sustaining it

[@MichaelPokeMLP12C]

The opening of 'A Quiet Place' sets the tone and premise, establishes characters and raises the stakes extremely high through a harrowing circumstance that effects the character's motivations and the conflicts between them for the rest of the film. All within the first ten minutes, and all without a single spoken line of dialogue in almost complete silence. And this from a first-time director playing one of the lead characters, and on a shoe-string budget. PERFECTION.

[@UddinBat]

This is one of the best and most enlightening KZbin channels out here! Keep doing what you're doing! :D

[@StudioBinder]

Will keep doing what we do :)

[@thedoctor2871]

The opening scene of Up was nice.

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely was 😢

[@yadmoreno3677]

Nice is an understatement. It's absolutely beautiful and easily my favorite Pixar scene ever.

[@SuperHeedictator]

You right everything in that opening scene was perfect..the whole life of two people who shared their life together in a couple of minutes. The story, their love and tragedy also the music! The music was so perfect to portrait those emotions from first love, tragedy of their marriage and then hope and then farewell...definetly one of the best opening scenes

[@ic9778]

Inception's opening scene tells us what Cobb wants to achieve, that's why it is one of my favorite opening scenes.

[@StudioBinder]

Nolan is the best!

[@msclrhd]

@@StudioBinder Inception is a great movie. I like how it sets up both possible endings (either he returned to his family, or is still trapped in limbo) and makes them equally credible. It would be interesting to have a breakdown of how it is all set up and paid off. Throughout the film we are told how a person can get trapped in limbo by clinging onto something. Throughout the different levels, we know Cobb sees both his wife *and* his children -- both are shown as different elements. Cobb resolves one (his wife) but not the other (his children). There's a line part way through the film between Cobb and Ariadne along the lines of given an idea the mind makes it real. There are whole conversations about reality, dreams, and implanting ideas (the titular "Inception"). The surface story is about implanting an idea in Fischer's mind, but there may be a subtext story about performing an Inception on Cobb. -- The reward Saito gives for the mission is to clear Cobb's debt so he can see his family. Saito even mentions it before Cobb enters limbo, so it is clear in Cobb's mind. The ambiguity of the fnal scene, where Cobb ignores everything he trained for (to always check your totem) to go out to see his children, and the lack of us -- the audience -- seeing the spinning top fall, make it a well crafted story that tells two different stories depending on how you view the elements of the film.

[@dudedude6892]

I think Tenet’s opening deserves a mention here. It’s a great sequence that establishes the main character, and a small mechanic of the world, while also being a key event in the story. All packed into one thrilling, enthralling action sequence.

[@adamcaruso4361]

it did

[@ExrtGreen]

great scene fr

[@omkargouraje6243]

Yes we all agree that 👍

[@anveshnidumolu3679]

sadly....its from Astro boy, n japanese cameos. even Inception ... well never mind. I still hope Nolan make good signature movie rather than taking it from others and renovating , scultpting...

[@AmPrnvvv]

Deadpool's opening scene was literally so cool & awesome.

[@StudioBinder]

Its a great opener!

[@lumisferica]

I agree!

[@LeiDavidChen]

Deadpool's opening scene was the concept trailer leaked onto KZbin that got fans so excited it convinced Fox to make the movie.

[@rohannampalliwar4526]

The matrix has one of the best opening sequences. It builds up the tone of the movie, introduces us to the villains, instills a sense of wonder and fills the audience with excitement about what to expect from the movie.

[@amirtaufiq797]

My fav opening scene ever is pulp fiction. Quentin just hooked audience with dialogue.

[@VonJay]

I was just thinking that. And the non linear structure, someone gets saved at the end of each scene(besides the prologue), in every sense of the word.

[@CookingwithYarda]

I love that !! One of my favourite movie !!

[@amirtaufiq797]

@@CookingwithYarda yes sir!!!

[@StudioBinder]

That's why we love him!

[@Joker-sy4xr]

I completely agree. Pulp Fiction has never been my favourite film but there’s no denying the quality of the dialogue or the genius of the non linear structure.

[@myOToole]

My favorite opening scenes are from Raiders of the Lost Ark and Rear Window. They tell us everything we need to know about the characters and the tone while also working as mini-movies themselves.

[@StudioBinder]

Two of the best!

[@Cristobels-Green-Boots]

‘Rear Window’ was great in that respect - one of Hitchcock’s best!

[@atharvsingh6907]

Christopher Nolan's movies opening scenes are just out of this world!❤

[@StudioBinder]

The man has the best opening action scenes

[@willmorrell488]

I would say Zack Snyder has the better opening scenes and of course far better action. TDK is pretty damn good though.

[@atharvsingh6907]

@@willmorrell488 Zack Snyder's opening scenes are much artistic and filled with VFX. But when it comes to visually stunning and realistic, no one can match Nolan! Although, both are genius filmmakers...❤

[@df4196]

The best opening of all time is Boogie Night. It has the title card, sets the tone, introduces all the main characters, lands on the main character - all in one beautifully choreographed shot.

[@nidafawwazah5112]

One of the best opening scene so far is The Trial of The Chichago 7, I love the how the way every character from different backgrounds jumping into one dialogue to another shaping a whole new paragraph.

[@Sameer93.]

Inglorious basterds opening scene is 🔥🔥🔥

[@StudioBinder]

One of the best openers of all time

[@JasonStorey]

Favourite Opening Scene? "Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career...."

[@StudioBinder]

😂💯

[@solezeta1314]

Another great example could've been the opening chase scene in the 2011 film Drive by Nicholas Winding Refn. That scene has it all: the ticking clocks (with the game and police being heard in the radio), the genius cinematography, the stuble soundtrack, Gosling's silent gaze, the choppers lights being from upwards, etc. It's one of my favorite opening scenes ever.

[@augure2589]

I wanted to say Drive too! I’m 1 day late. The great opening credit is important too.

[@wosso3342]

Incendies gives you a mysterious character, the setting for most of the film, the perspective you'll watch from using western music that contrasts the Middle Eastern setting and just a beautifully shot and edited scene. Brilliant in every way, just like the rest of the film.

[@StudioBinder]

Great way to describe the scene!

[@chirantanmahanti2627]

And that radiohead music absolutely works

[@joshua43214]

The Secrete Life of Walter Mitty is by far one of the best opening scenes ever filmed. Perfectly combining the credits with everything you need to know about the main character, and beautifully shot. If you have not seen this gem it is a must see. If you have been avoiding it because it looks like a mid-life crisis film, it is not.

[@hrichards9562]

I absolutely love this movie too. I think it doesn't get the credit it deserves.

[@juliusperfido990]

We studied the opening in one of my classes, and were surprised as to how amazing it was

[@ziomalZparafii]

Amazing movie but I really like how they embedded credits as a real life signs on the buildings, streets etc.

[@pauljakeman]

Ive never seen it, i just thought it would be some cash in remake.

[@fallzero7304]

​@@pauljakeman Such an amazing and beautifully shot movie with one of the most gorgeous soundtracks.

[@Grim_Grim.]

the fight club opening will always be my favourite. it immediately establishes who the narrator is as a character and when watching the film again you really start to understand what drove him as a character and why he was like how he was. it sets up fundamental aspects that will play into the movie as it unravels. the film also manages to entrap that same feeling you get from laying your eyes on the movie for the fist time and it recreates it all through the movie. and even watching it again you see more hidden details that make it feel as if your watching it for the first time again.

[@idkn1977]

Yep really well said I'm a huge fight club fan yo The movie is just a masterpiece

[@beheadedbat4925]

The lighthouse was one of my favorite openings the first 5 to 7 minutes is just a heavy score and the sound of the lighthouse siren as the two characters travel towards the island without a word being said the whole time it makes sure the viewer is already feeling uneasy and filled with questions about whats going on and who the characters are before the characters even begin their dialogue

[@mollywoodshots6503]

Nolan, Fincher & Kubrick have some of the best openings IMO.

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@dooglio]

I love the opening of Falling Down. Traffic jam, focus on Micheal Douglas’ character, as he snaps and walks away from his car. Visually it informs us of his character without any dialogue.

[@thegreytgandalf8605]

King of opening scenes: saving private Ryan

[@christophermay2400]

"Rise of the Guardians" had me weeping in the first thirty seconds. I will never understand how it did that. So peaceful, so sad, the rest of the movie never matched the power of those opening images and lines as Jack Frost is "born." For a totally different experience, "What About Bob?" has Bill Murray in a state of nervous exhaustion, chanting with apotropaic desperation: "I feel good. I feel great. I feel wonderful." The whole self help world was satirised in a second. It was glorious.

[@StudioBinder]

Those are some great scenes!

[@TomjDavies13]

No mention of the opening to Raiders of the Lost Ark? It is iconic, it is such a good beginning the rest of the film can't compete

[@StudioBinder]

No disagreements there! Raiders is fantastic

[@tenzinlekden5617]

This is way better than my film class, and I learned so much of it. Thanks

[@doctorstrange1485]

One of my favourite opening scenes were the introductions in RRR before the actual title card. I liked how they showed everything you needed to know about the characters and some of the stuff they do foreshadows what’s gonna happen in the future.

[@NubbyNubbster]

Fincher's The Social Network and Welles' Touch of Evil are a couple of my favorite opening scenes of all time. At times I'll re-watch them to help me with projects I do. Not with just screenplays but short stories and even poetry too.

[@bena5025]

i absolutely love the opening dream sequence in "the babadook". it's so fascinating to look at because only after a few seconds you realize what traumatic situation is shown, it sets the tone of the film perfectly and is just a visual pleasure!!

[@StudioBinder]

Love that movie ❤

[@basthebadarse]

The guys at StudioBinder are by miles the greatest. Basically all the openings I love analyzed from the right eyes

[@aadityapawar2271]

Really surprised that none of tarantino movies were mentioned Since the opening scenes of Inglourious basterds as well as kill bill vol 1 are amazing And obviously, the opening scene of pulp fiction🙌🏻 That’s the most awesome opening scene of all time, imo!

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

They showed Inglorious basterds as an example. JUst didn't comment on it.

[@aadityapawar2271]

@@alexispapageorgiou72 yeah but i still believe at least one of tarantino’s opening scenes should be on the list, not as a thumbnail/example but as a part of the list

[@nathancrossen2224]

​@@aadityapawar2271 Tarantino's building of tension has been talked about a lot though. There isn't always a whole lot more to say about them. Also, it IS in the blog.

[@StudioBinder]

We rank the best openers in our companion article, and trust us he makes the list ❤ www.studiobinder.com/blog/best-opening-scenes-in-movies/

[@joeymorrissey5916]

they also have their own video on the opening scene of inglorious basterds i believe

[@behelit1997]

Reservoir Dogs opening it's the best I've ever seen, the conversation is so realistic and the slo-mo sequence looks like Tarantino slowed down time just to film the sequence, everything is perfect down to the last minute details, the music, text and swearing just flows through itselves perfectly.

[@joeynathan6073]

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse - great way to establish the tone of the film while also showing off its aesthetics!

[@Guha10]

Spielberg's way of including his audience to the D- Day battle in the movie Saving Private Ryan has been an iconic one for me. After the battle, we as audience see a beach in horror that has turned red in colour due to deaths and destruction. That is how I as a film viewer resonated the depth of the epic dilogue when the protagonist says - "quite a view".

[@Dave-dk4hk]

Fo Sho - Totally agree. Amazing opening scene on so many levels and one I will never forget. SPR was one of 3 movies I have seen that was so realistic and scary that it gave me nightmares. That's not a criticism but a genuine compliment to the realism and master film making of Spielberg.

[@wandefter]

The opening scene from Inglorious Basterds is one of my favs of all time

[@dragofelid]

I think Scream has possibly my favourite horror movie opening. it starts of casually, sets the tone as a wrong number call with a few jokes and talk of horror movies, horror movie references and tropes before plunging into the horror of home invasion and slasher quite well! especially for a horror slasher with comedic elements whilst talking about those specific types of movies as a whole

[@TobyKate]

"Ferriss Bueller's Day Off" has one of my favourite opening scenes

[@StudioBinder]

Ferris Bueller is also in our best movies that broke the fourth wall list! www.studiobinder.com/blog/movies-that-break-the-fourth-wall/

[@TobyKate]

@@StudioBinder good choice ;)

[@ziachung4547]

It's quite remarkable how Across the spiderverse adheres to almost all of these techniques. 1. Enter Miguel with his antagonistic ideals of everything needing to abide to the norm which is the canon event no matter the cost. That serves as the primary obstacle directing affecting the course of the film's theme 2. We're introduced to our heroes two times for Gwen and Miles each, get an idea of who they are and 3. What their relationship is to each other. And a clear understanding of other dynamics such as Gwen/George, Gwen/Miguel and Jess, Miguel/Jess 4. The multiversal watches act as a pivotal device that completely flips the status quo limits of storytelling range 5. For setting the superhero tone=riveting action sequence is immediately supported by the general idea of what we can expect for the rest of the movie with a pinch of setting up a bookend which ofc later at the end pays off 6. Seemingly irreversible incident catapults the plot forward. We start with one of our main characters at rock bottom, utterly alienated from any sense of familiarity that was left. Deviation from preestablished ground rules as we know it Truly one of the most iconic, memorable, well executed movie openings of all time! All the more reason for me to geek out over it. Thanks for the vid!😊

[@KgothatsoMmolediMedia]

a big shout out to studio binder, you are concise and effective, from the Shot List to these type of videos you explain things so accurately it is impossible to be lost, i learned so much from this channel.

[@davidplumm]

A New Hope has got to be one of the best and most iconic openers ever!

[@chrisjfox8715]

The opening scene to Unbreakable, as well as Perfume: The Story of a Murderer are quite powerful. Very well done

[@AlicePearlJam]

I love when a movie just starts and brings us into the story with no credits or title card. Although Drive had credits before and after the opening scene, I still think it’s a great work of art especially when the credits are playing accompanied by Kavinsky as Gosling is cruising L.A. at night in his ‘73 Malibu. The kicker is when he walks past Carey Mulligan and neither one acknowledges the other.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

The line reading of Spacey's in those last seconds of "the lineup scene" in _The Usual Suspects..._ Amazing. Gives me chills every time!

[@samf7642]

Raising Arizona (1987, Coen brothers) includes a 10 minute intro before opening titles that uses a narration to give us the back story and culminates in a great song. Absolutely loved it!

[@jeelsyed]

How can we forget Terminator 2: Judgement Day opening sequence, with the machines war, and that Arnie's introduction with a killer line "Give me your boots & jacket"!

[@moygonzalez239]

the opening of End of Watch is one of my favorites, it prepares you for the entire film

[@StudioBinder]

As all great openings should!

[@wyatttomlinson3475]

These videos are great inspiration, especially showcasings of the beginnings that match my own writing. Plus, they are so well-made as well! I will definitely keep coming back to these videos for ideas.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I've watched the opening scenes from Inglorious Basterds and 2001 so many times..haha They are like films unto themselves.

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely agree, they would make award winning short films

[@DelightLovesMovies]

@@StudioBinder That's true too. haha

[@i_so_late]

Incendies is one of my favorite opening scenes, it does so much without you even knowing

[@StudioBinder]

The best kind of openers 💯

[@rachelryan4515]

Trainspotting’s opening scene is my fav of all time

[@StudioBinder]

It's a great scene!

[@rachelryan4515]

@@StudioBinder and the song that plays too is a banger!

[@ItsJustRuru]

Christopher Nolan makes the best intros, from The Dark Knights joker scene, to Tenet jumping you into the action in that manner was great.

[@adriennethomasvoicechannel1353]

Catch 22.....take off scene....mesmeric and threatening at the same time....and it introduces Yossarian brilliantly!

[@kokijavier]

Best opening for me: Lord of the Rings, The fellowship of the ring. Perfection

[@LeonardoAlves-vj8kl]

Saving private ryan should also probably be one of the best opening scenes ever

[@tedfilmsafrica]

Am a Kenyan 22, cinematographer. Without this channel, my passion in filmaking would have just been a wasted career. Thank you Studio Binder. Planning for a short film next year April. I will share it with you😍

[@Dave-dk4hk]

Awesome! Do you have a movie with fav opening scene? you posted 1 year ago - is your short film done?!? Would love to see it!

[@TheJonathanNewton]

The Seventh Seal - an opening I more or less know by heart. Tells you everything about the movie.

[@Pataganja]

You guys make some of my favorite stuff on this website my girlfriend isn’t even into filmmaking and she loves watching these with me.

[@StudioBinder]

haha all are welcome!

[@lessthanbrilliant3672]

It’s difficult to think of an “Enter the Hero” intro that measures up to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but Blade is also excellent. And I think Seven Samurai has the greatest “Plot Catalyst” intro, but I also have a fondness for Sense and Sensibility. I need to stop now before I start writing a comprehensive list.

[@samuelbarber6177]

The opening sequences of Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon A Time In The West” and “Once Upon A Time In America” are so eery. Given that Leone’s previous films, the Dollars Trilogy, all opened with big, energetic, James Bond-esque title sequences, the fact that both of this films were so stripped down (the latter’s opening credits were literally just white on black with no music until about a minute in), they immediately set a different town for what Leone was about to do. I also love how Martin Scorsese opens his films, particularly GoodFellas, Casino, The Departed and The Irishman. The great music, the narration, the title sequence everything. The best film openings are always the ones which tell you exactly what kind of film you’re in for and Directors like Leone, Scorsese but also, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino and Tim Burton know how to do that so well. Some of my other favourites include The Dark Knight L.A. Confidential The Shining John Carpenter’s Halloween Halloween II Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest Mean Streets Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Jaws Inglorious Basterds Mario Puzo’s The Godfather Mario Puzo’s The Godfather Part II Pulp Fiction Reservoir Dogs Batman Dunkirk No Time To Die Raiders of the Lost Ark Casino Royale The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

[@Dave-dk4hk]

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, when Tuco jumps through the window with a giant f-ing turkey leg in his hand lol. Absolutely the best! haha!

[@samuelbarber6177]

@@Dave-dk4hk I love that scene as well, but isn’t the opening the scene with Angel Eyes? There might be different versions

[@AnimeBadBoi]

Tenet for sure !!!! the build up, the setting, the action - everything was spectacular

[@peterfrank3365]

My favorite blockbuster opening from recent memory belongs to 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. From the flashback prologue, all the way to Quill dancing. It sets up the tone, the character and the story, just right. Even the use of the Marvel Studio logo clicks.

[@limenmultimedia]

This video is a treasure trove of insights into the art of the opening scene! Starting a movie is no easy task, but the way you've broken down the different methods is truly fascinating. Introducing a hero or villain right from the beginning sets the tone and raises the stakes for the rest of the film, as we've seen in The Dark Knight and Skyfall. On the other hand, Noah Baumbach's approach in Marriage Story, with its extended montage, provides a deep dive into the characters and their relationship, laying the groundwork for the emotional journey ahead. Uncut Gems takes a unique approach by skipping character introductions and diving straight into the plot device that propels the story forward. It's a bold move that immediately grabs our attention. And then we have La La Land and Get Out, both genre films that cleverly play with genre conventions in their opening scenes. La La Land bursts onto the screen with a vibrant and fantastical musical number, while Get Out blends comedy and horror to defy our expectations. The opening scene truly sets the stage for what's to come, whether it's through character introductions, establishing dynamics, or embracing or subverting genre rules. It's a crucial decision that can greatly impact our experience as viewers. I'm curious, what are some of your favorite opening scenes in movies and why?

[@shipwrecker37]

Speaking of opening scenes... your intro is 🔥. Well done!

[@Genuinely_edwin]

I hope you guys keep giving us this type of content. This stuff is an incredible insight. Thank you.

[@dawngw26]

Thank you for an excellent film school lesson! My vote for best opening scene is for Pixar's "Up".

[@CaughtInTheLoop]

Fantastic video once again. I just love this channel. I'm very happy you included Marriage Story and The Dark Knight. These are my favorite opening scenes

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@HAWKEntertainments]

The intro of tenet and end of inception blew my mind 😂😂😂

[@StudioBinder]

Both are stunning scenes

[@vonleevl]

As always, Studio Binder you knocked it right out of the park!

[@Unaliq]

Honestly, Terminator 1 and 2 openings still leave me in awe of humanity's war against the machines. Especially the second movie... The use of practical effects and small-scale models to the use of the original soundtrack. It aged like fine wine because it's use of practical effects.

[@mramsudarsan9637]

There will be blood beginning is by far the perfect opening. Great exposition. Also It defines the character as well

[@StudioBinder]

Possibly PTA's best!

[@YounusYousuf]

Saving this to my cinematography playlist....A beautiful Master class.

[@Fishandmusiclover]

Intro to Road to Perdition is amazing in my opinion ahh it sets the scene and tone and the music perfectly fits.

[@johngrayatkinson1214]

One of the best opening scenes ,IMO, is the beginning of Brian DePalmas The Untouchables , with the little girl and the briefcase. It perfectly sets the tone for the film , because, it punches you right in the gut, and sets the stage for the lines between the protagonists/antagonists doing what's wrong for the "greater good." (As well as good ol' fashion revenge)

[@Dave-dk4hk]

Hey Mister - you forgot your briefcase!

[@swagatmedge8847]

Please make a video on plot types 1) archplot 2) mini plot 3) anti plot

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mccarthus9250]

The opening scene of Scream was legendary.

[@Premkumar-nv5bv]

I always feel 2001: A Space Odessey opening scene is the best! ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

You can definitely argue for it :)

[@CookingwithYarda]

I always love to learn new film shooting skills. When I watched Woody Allen's movie Cafe Society the lightning in that film was just remarkable !!!

[@StudioBinder]

Have fun filming!

[@theloniousfarou4695]

The opening scene of Hereditary was... Blowing my mind!

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Opening Scene of Layer Cake (2004) is one of my absolute favorites of all time. Seen that film 20+ times and it still captivates and draws me in.

[@kjeet007]

Well Openings are great part to discuss on..... I Love the opening of "Call me by your Name" & Nolan Sir's Movies & calls it a " Chaotic Start " Tenet(I can see studiobinder also have loved it), Dark Knight Rises implies it better, it bring us on the edge of Chair ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

We do love it :)

[@RaoulEnoiu]

Dark Knight was definitely an amazing opener. I loved Blade Runner 2049 too - the whole sequence with K and the gorgeous visuals at the beginning.

[@StudioBinder]

Love both openers!

[@jonathanmelia]

That opening was actually how the original 1982 film was going to be in one of the early drafts, right down to the close-up of the simmering stewpot!

[@lucasjedi2449]

The opening scene of A Quiet Place is remarkable. An amazing tone-setter!

[@imani828]

thank you thank you thank you so much StudioBinder for always referencing your sources!!!!!

[@williamclarke3162]

Favorite openings: Marriage Story Toy Story 3 Shrek Infinity War Rango The Dark Knight Reservoir Dogs

[@StudioBinder]

Sweet list!

[@WallKenshiro]

A lot of the ones here come under my favorite opening scenes, the only one missing is Alien, the opposite kind of "hooks" as most of what's being spoken about here, but still ridiculously effective; all mood setting and subtext over aggressive attention grabbing.

[@StudioBinder]

Alien is great in establishing tone and atmosphere 👌

[@mukeshh178]

Opening scene of saving the provate ryan is amazing

[@sympolzion]

Best channel on YT for filmmakers by far. Keep it up guys! Love these videos.

[@StudioBinder]

Will keep it going 👌

[@AlaMaaVurilo]

Love From India ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Love from Cali!