Once again, it’s another month between posts. In this one, I want to look at some classic opening/closing image comparisons.
The opening image doesn’t necessarily mean the very first shot of a movie. What it is, however, is a significant image from the opening scene that should inform about the theme of a movie. This should then be compared or contrasted with a parallel image in the final scene.
The comparison or contrast in these images shows us the change (or lack thereof) in the main character or world. To see how this works, we’ll look at some opening/closing images from some of my favourite movies. If you haven’t seen the following movies, these do contain SPOILER ALERTS.
TERMINATOR TWO
Opening Image: Future War. A post-apocalyptic nightmare of death and decay. The skeletons of a once great civilisation are strewn on the dusty ground. The mechanised foot of a Terminator crushes a human skull. The machines are clearly on top in this epic struggle for survival.
Closing Image: Factory War: Following the final confrontation with the T1000 in the factory, Arnold is lowered into the molten metal by John and Sarah. Rather than a machine crushing a human, we have humans destroying the machine – but growth has occurred. This death is willing, as evidenced by Arnold’s thumbs up as his hand is covered by the lava. This death is a result of a machine learning the sanctity of life.
STAR WARS
Opening Image: A small spaceship is dwarfed by a huge Star Destroyer. The Star Destroyer latches onto the Corellian Corvette, swallowing it up in its maw as it docks with the Corvette. Imperial Stormtroopers board the Corvette, followed by the ominous black-caped form of Darth Vader.
Closing Image: Luke Skywalker and the other Rebels attack the gargantuan Death Star in their tiny, one-man starfighters. Luke enters the trench of the Death Star but Darth Vader is there to defend the immense space station. Due to the team-work of the Rebels, Darth Vader is neutralised and Luke is able to guide his proton torpedo with the Force and destroy the Death Star.
GALAXY QUEST
Opening Image: At a convention celebrating a tired old science fiction show called Galaxy Quest the has-beens who starred in the show threaten to walk out on their egocentric captain, Tim Allen, who does not realise how pathetic he is, or how he has used and abused his co-stars. They arrive on stage, late, angry and at each other’s throats.
Closing Image: At another Galaxy Quest Convention, the crew arrive in a blaze of glory as their real-life spaceship crash lands at the stage of the convention. The crew, energised and cooperative, bundle out of their ship to rapturous applause. Tim defeats their arch-enemy, and acknowledges his crew. They have all become relevant again, and have grown in team-work and appreciation for the friendship they share.
The opening and closing images are an excellent way of comparing and contrasting the attitudes of the characters at the beginning and end. Make sure you utilise these critical moments in a story to highlight the growth, and your script will benefit.