First Impressions Do Matter: The Art of the Opening Shot

The following video is a collection of great opening shots from important films that have passed the test of time. While an opening shot might not be incredibly memorable it still needs to set the tone of a movie and suck the viewer in the universe in which its story is going to take place. As you can see from this presentation, some scenes are instantly recognisable while for others you might need the title to understand where they're from. But at the same time even the less recognisable ones manage to create a certain feeling and give a proper introduction for the film that we're about to watch. Enjoy! 

The Art of the Opening Shot from Filmnørdens Hjørne on Vimeo.

Clips from movies in order of appearance:

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Apocalypse Now (1979), Zoetrope Studios
The Untouchables (1987), Paramount Pictures
TRON: Legacy (2010), Walt Disney Pictures
Léon: The Professional (1994), Gaumont
Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Horizon Pictures
Touch of Evil (1958), Universal International Pictures
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), Lucasfilm
Rain Man (1988), United Artists
Taxi Driver (1976), Columbia Pictures Corporation
Sherlock Holmes (2009), Warner Bros.
Rear Window (1954), Paramount Pictures
Seven Samurai (1954), Toho Company
Heat (1995), Warner Bros.
Lost in Translation (2003), Focus Features
Casino Royale (2006), Columbia Pictures
Black Rain (1989), Paramount Pictures
Patriot Games (1992), Mace Neufeld Productions
The Dark Knight (2008), Warner Bros.
Deliverance (1972), Warner Bros.
The Hunt for Red October (1990), Paramount Pictures
There Will Be Blood (2007), Paramount Vantage
The Birth of a Nation (1915), David W. Griffith Corp.
Saving Private Ryan (1998), DreamWorks SKG
Blade Runner (1982), The Ladd Company
The Matrix (1999), Warner Bros.
Superman (1978), Dovemead Films
Stoker (2013), Fox Searchlight Pictures
No Country for Old Men (2007), Paramount Vantage
Thelma & Louise (1991), Pathé Entertainment
The Shining (1980), Warner Bros.
Take Shelter (2011), Hydraulx
The Searchers (1956), Warner Bros.
Gladiator (2000), DreamWorks SKG
Road to Perdition (2002), DreamWorks SKG

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