1. Analysis of film opening: Niagara (1953)
The movie begins with the 20th
century fox production which then follows on
straight into the opening credits, with the names of the three main actors
written in a big bold font in red. This along with the music which accompanies
the opening credits, a loud crescendo of abrasive and cacophonous violins can
be used as both genre signifiers as well as hinting towards thenarrative theory.
This is done as the colour red which is used for the opening credits usually is
associated with danger, thus hinting it as being one of the themes of the
movie. And usually danger is seen in thrillers. This serves as part of the
narrative theory as we can infer that someone may be in danger during the
course of the movie. Moreover the music is thought as a genre signifier
because the sole use of violins and tone of the music changing brings out a
fearful feeling, therefore linking it to a thriller movie.
There are different kinds of shots used throughout the opening, for example in
the first scene there is a weather shot used to give a hint of what the
atmosphere and mood is like at the set location, as well as showing the
audience where the movie is set (Niagara Falls.) Afterwards we are shown a
long shot of one of the main characters (George Coomis) approaching Niagara
Falls, this is shown in a slight worms eye view of Coomis, leading then to the
camera panning out and going back to a long shot. In the next scene, there is a
close up shot of Coomis’ wife (Rose) which eventually turns into an over the
shoulder shot of George watching Rose.
The music and sound is quite significant throughout the opening of the movie.
The music, which is non-digetic contradicts the scenery seen in the beginning
as visually the place is very beautiful and tranquil, however the music is very
loud and gloomy. Moreover, there is a voice over of the main character
George. This gives the audience a senseof his subjectivity and ideas as what he
says seems to be quite melancholic and depressing.
The editing is quite face paced in the movie introduction. Most of the scenes
dissolve into each other, for instance the opening credits then dissolves into a
weather shot of the Falls. There is also a cut in- cut away shot of George as he

2. approaches the Falls as we first see him doing so, and then the camera zooms
into him continuing this action.
Another partof the editing is Monroe’s character Rose, her body language, and
the setting in their hotel room. She seems to be smoking whilst lying naked in
bed and has red lipstick on. Both these things connote danger to the audience
and may present her as a femme fatale to an extent, especially when she
completely disregards her husband entering the room and pretends to be
asleep. Furthermore this also presents a lot of enigma codes, for example why
is she pretending to be asleep when her husband walks in? Why is George up
at 5am? Why is he so sad? Why does Rose give him a disapproving look? The
setting of their room is quite strange as it is messy and although they are
husband and wife, Rose and George are sleeping in separate beds.