Analysis for the opening 2 minutes of The Other Guys

1. OPENING ANALYSIS-THE
OTHER GUYS
By Solo Shariff-Hickey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac6
Gl-rYyUI

2. Establishing shot coupled with narrator sets the nature
of the film (helicopter camera)-titles added on to
opening sequence. The setting is part of the NYC
skyline, which has connotations of a crime drama and
police. “There’s a fine line between law and chaos” –
Narrator: Reaffirming the idea of crime and police.
Changes to handheld shot at LS showing sporadic
nature of the scene as the opening unfolds; further
developing the ideas of the establishing shot. Makes it
seem out of control, sporadic.
MLS on first character to show relation to the scene,
leaving background out of focus resembling that he's
more important than the events around him however;
keeping them in shot shows that they have relevance
to the scene.

3. Star power is used within this opening scene. Both
actors, Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L Jackson, are
established in crime, action as well as comedy; this
shows how there is credibility to the film in its themes
as well as adding appeal to the target audience.
Camera moves swiftly to second character at same
camera distance, shows their equal levels in the current
situation. Shows his own relationship to the area and
the other character. Use of walkie talkie props shows
the two characters are connected to each other by
direct link; dialogue. This also shows the closeness of
their relationship.
Character drives out of shot in a type of walking shot;
in how the character enters the shot and leaves,
showing that the overall focus of the scene isn’t on this
point but what he is going towards. This shows the
intensity of the car chase picking up as his movement
out of the shot resembles him speeding up.

4. Constant sporadic movement of camera resembles the
event itself as it's also a sporadic uncontrollable scene,
double enforced by the cars' own movements being
similar to the cameras'.
This shot (MS) is used to create a nonchalant attitude to this
character in his firing a gun out the window of his car window
and laughing. Non diegetic sound - the music – adds to the
relaxed nature of character inside car.
Close up on assailant is a use of stereotypes-
Rastafarian drug dealer-connotations of marijuana and
other drugs.

5. ECU on bullet shows it's going to do significant
effect. Lack of reaction to bullet reflects nonchalant
attitude of man in car.
Same shot is always used when looking at the back
of the car to show the perspective of the man in
the car, making you feel closer to the action.
All men in car fit the stereotype of the drug dealer
type, car interior also enforces this.

6. Series of close ups shows how the action is
intensifying-on faces and actions to enforce this
feeling of intensity even more.
Motions and attitudes of both cops shows how
they're meant to be cool and casual, that this is all
just another day to them. Facial expressions and
dialogue are used to convey this. The music is very
contrast to the scene, showing how relaxed the two
are, that it's so easy for them now.
Use of slow motion in jump shows how it's an intense
point, but the short duration of it again shows how
it's all too easy for them, even further shown in the
fluid motions that follow this point.

7. The fact that the driver (police) is more concerned with a
dent in his car than the gunfire shows how he's so
nonchalant. Also, at this point, the two are on an equal
level which reflects the idea of them being partners
rather than one superior to the other.
Aerial view now shows the relation of the chase to its
surroundings.
Violence between both cars again raises tension,
and the effect on the environment is now seen, this
shows an escalation of action and therefore the
chase.

8. Use of calm and relaxed speech in reaction to gunfire
shows how he's not worried at the concept of being
shot, again; more concerned with the car and a sense
of a nonchalant attitude.
Increased effect on the surroundings is now
happening.
Two characters fire guns at the same time,
this synchronization shows they've been
partners a long time and that there’s a long
running backstory between the two.

9. •The use of the gun added to the walkie talkie enforces the idea of a cop movie, and
the characters attitudes showing it's a comedy as well.
•Use of language shows relation between the men in the car and the police as well
as between the two police officers-harsh and casual.
•Quick transitions between all different points of action shows how the situation
changes rapidly.
Actual expressions of citizens is shown, shows effect chase has
on people in the vicinity of this chase.