Film opening sequence #2: Constantine

Constantine (6.22)

• First shot is of a black screen with a kettle whistling, moves into a shot of this scene with a window and a kettle being the mean features in the shot (also says that this opening is based in Los Angeles), woman pours hot water into a cup and then walks down the corridor with the use of a tracking shot, house looks messy and untidy.
• Woman opens door and falls onto the floor in shock leaving the viewer in suspense (horror-style music is put over the top)
• Shot moves into door and across to show a woman crawling on the ceiling after being taken by a demon. This shot contradicts the calmness and normality of the opening seconds of the film
• As woman screams surroundings are shown (corridor between flats, spiraling staircase) moves to outdoors where a taxi pulls up outside the delapedated building.
• Character drops cigarette out of car window, perhaps showing a sign of authority and importance
• High angle, overhead shot is shown as the man walks through gates showing danger.
• Next shot of importance is a tracking shot as the character walks down a packed corridor (lots of concerned faces look at him), main character looks calm and composed, as if he is used to this kind of situation
• Main character walks into final room on the corridor, puts his cigarette on the side and walks towards bed (once again showing calmness and no emotions)
• He then walks up to the window and rips curtains open, and then shines and object against the light, sending the demon into a frenzy, showing a sense of the fact that he knows what hes doing.
• Main character then steps onto bed and puts his face up against the womans, we discover his name (John Constantine)
• Pushes metal object onto demon's head, which leads to it yelping in pain (setting tone for the rest of the film?)
• Room goes silent as the demon stops moving, John Constantine says 'what the hell?' as if this is not was usually happens, creating concern and worry amongst the audience.
• Constantine once again shows his authority as he orders people to go and get him a mirror, and then shouts 'move!' at them
• He then grabs a chair and smashes the windows with it, showing a lack of fear and wildness in his character.
• Constantine pushes bed up against window as the rest of the characters look on with scared expressions on their faces. High angle shot of Constantine shows his authority over the demon or perhaphs could be hiding the unknown
• Mirror flies out the window in slow-motion (2nd use of slow motion in intro)
• John Constantine picks up cigarette and leaves room in a calm fashion, once again repeating the fact that he is used to this kind of situation