I really love Stranger Things, and this opening is just perfect for me. It's on youtube HERE.
It starts with what they would call a BANG, with a little sequence at the lab facility to introduce the threat coming to Hawkins. Here's a few observations:
- To start with a Bang, you first need to create some anticipation/tension, just to make sure that people are ready. So the first 2 shots are super slow pans and zooms, to draw your attention and focus to the screen. Like shooting an arrow, you need to draw back the strings for tension and then release. Once it releases the shots are quick, the character moves at a high speed through the shots, and the camera is constantly moving, creating the feeling something is coming at us.
- Once the arrow finds it's mark in Shot 8, the scientist is at the door, the movement has now stopped, so the camera is also fixed, but we keep the agitation going by the quick cuts like the hand pressing the elevator door, the lights flickering, and music to give us a sense something is coming closer.
- Once the elevator door opens, he gets in and we keep transfixd (through his pov shots) on the hallway, expecting something to come through, But then He looks up and the danger was already on him, so it feels unexpected. The elevator doors close and we cut to Mike's house.
Summary:
- Truck in/ zoom ins, to create tension and anticipation.
- Moving camera paired with action, to enhance the feeling of urgency.
- Quick cutting to create adrenaline, slow cutting to build suspense, rest after the storm.
- Surprise the audience, film is magic...make them expect one thing, and give them something else.
Even though I thumbnailed the shots out, I think just sitting down with a notepad and writing down your thoughts is probably a more efficient way of doing these scene studies. Unless you are studying composition / lighting, then you should definitely draw the images.
