Film Opening Research #1 - Cool Hand Luke

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

- 3: The first title shown is the Warner Bros Pictures. Then Paul Newman is shown, which is the lead actor. The last is the title, "Cool Hand Luke."

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

- The big red "Violation" symbol in the parking meters is the first image shown and is repeated. The tool cutting off the heads of the parking meters in the dark is also prioritized as it is shown multiple times.

What connotations do the images carry? 

- The images carry a very negative connotation. The big red "Violation" shot immediately tells the audience that somebody did something wrong. The color red is associated with negativity and anger. The "Violation" symbol that shows up each time the person cuts off the parking meters shows that he is not supposed to do it. It was also at night where no one would see him. This portrays him as a criminal and gives a negative connotation. 

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

- The genre is reinforced as the introduction follows a common western movie plot line: outlaw on the run. The outlaw, Luke, is being chased by law enforcement after illegally cutting the parking meter heads. Luke is also wearing jeans and a button up shirt as most people in the west do. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 

- The film establishes an enigma as the audience is left wondering why Luke is cutting off the parking meters. We also wonder how much trouble Luke will be in and how his life will turn out.

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

- Suspenseful music and the western theme appeals to its target audience. The thrill of the officer chasing the outlaw is what the audience is typically looking for in this type of film. It leaves the audience to want to keep watching.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. 

- The camera angles were used very effectively as the close up shots emphasize the crime associated with cutting the parking meters. They use a cut transition to switch between the tool cutting the parking meter and the violations. There is also very dramatic music when this cut happens. This all creates suspense as we wonder who the criminal doing this is. The establishing shot effectively shows how many parking meters have been cut.