Weeks 8-9: Film Opening Research #2: Mamma Mia!

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

Just two: the Universal logo and the film title. It should be noted that the names of the film producers/directors/actors are not displayed throughout the opening scenes.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

There are two distinct parts to the opening sequences. At first, Sophie is seen, singing, mailing three letters to three different men. The images in this scene are dark and in the night, and Sophie is isolated, obviously troubled with a situation in her life. However, the stars in the sky are emphasized. The second parts of the opening sequences of the movie portray the three men that she has written letters to leaving their current situations to attend to Sophie's letters. The images throughout these scenes are fast-paced and urgent. 

What connotations do the images carry?

The first opening scenes carry a message of hope. Sophie is obviously in a difficult situation, and her distress is clear. However, stars in the sky that light up her surroundings symbolize hope for her. The second opening scenes all carry connotations of urgency, portraying the idea that there is a situation at hand that needs to be attended to immediately. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

Symbolic codes: The setting of both parts of the opening scenes present a problem that Sophie is clearly trying to resolve, appealing to the dramatic part of the film. The work of acting is clearly thought-out, and Sophie is distressed, yet has hope, while the men in the second part of the opening scenes are happy yet in a rush. Sophie's clothing (costume) portrays her character and the setting well. Two of the three men in the second parts are wearing business suits, while the other is wearing dirty clothes and on a motorcycle. These costume choices will later represent each of the men. The color in the first scenes is primarily dark blue, portraying a gloomy theme, yet the color in the second part of the opening scenes is lively. 

Technical codes: The camera work in the first set of scenes is still and calm, just as Sophie is. However, in the second set of scenes, the camera moves quickly and follows characters through their urgent situations. There are interesting transitions that appeal to the viewer when showing the passport photos of the three men lined up. The music in the first scenes with Sophie is sung by herself and is slow, yet hopeful, while the music in the second set of scenes is very fast-paced and overlaps the situation of the three men. The way the music runs over the portrayal of all three men leaving their situations to travel demonstrates that they are all in the same situation. The lighting in the first scenes comes from just the stars, while the second scenes are filmed in broad daylight.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The first scene is very effective at establishing an enigma to which the second set of scenes is responding to. In the first scene, the viewer can assume that Sophie is in a situation she is trying to fix, through both the lyrics to her song and her actions. The viewer can also assume that the three men in the second scenes are responding to Sophie's letters, showing that there is a task at hand that needs to be accomplished.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The film is generally a romantic comedy, so its target audience is mostly women. The film portrays a somewhat relatable woman, which is appealing to female viewers, as a film's ability to be relatable is very important to its appeal. It also portrays an exciting storyline which many will want to follow.

How has technology been used effectively? 

The camera work and editing techniques are used efficiently throughout the film. Although technological uses in film have advanced significantly since this movie was created, the use of camera shots and some editing techniques add to the value of the movie. These elements are clearly not overused, which is beneficial.