Johnny English Reborn Title Sequence

For this task my group had to choose a similar film to our one, in which we would analyse the title sequence. We chose this film because it met many of our expectations for our film and also included one of the actors we will be using to play a similar role to the one presented here.

The title sequence opens with a split screen, one containing a man and the other a computer like system, this represents a sense of organisation because both screens are symmetrical to one another. His deep red clothing can foreshadow blood and violence but this juxtaposes with the style of the clothing as it appears to resemble a traditional Buddhist Chivara (Robe) which resembles a sign of peace. The typeface resembles a keyboard font in which the letters appear as if you are typing them; this technique involves the audience by making them feel a part of the action. The fact the letters are appearing at a fast pace may foreshadow the life of the agent and how everything is always happening so quickly. The font is also presented in capital letters which gives the sense of urgency and importance and the white colour of the font connotes purity but this conflicts with the black background which suggests an evil side – this gives the audience an insight to personality traits we may see throughout the film. We only see the last name of the character which can show he has a hidden identity, this is a key aspect in most action films – this also creates an enigma because you want to find out who this character really is. The photo then breaks away into an image of an earth which may foreshadow how earth breaks the character up, this suggests conflict and defeat. We can clearly understand that this character is on a plane because of the text, this gives the hint of travelling which is another key aspect to the genre, and the futuristic image suggests hi- technology will be featured in the film. The movement of the line can show the travel of the character but the fact the line is red connotes blood and violence which can show how his journeys will not be peaceful.

We then see an image of an explosion with a man in a smart suit walking through it but his face is not shown which conceals his identity, the movement is slow which emphasises the character is undefeatable but this juxtaposes with the other image; the explosion has completely hidden the name which suggests the fire has beaten him. However a silhouette of a gun is then shown among the explosion which foreshadows the agent fighting back, this could also show how he has caused this dramatic event; the faded circular image around the gun reminds me of a dial you would see in a car which suggests speed and action. The orange toned fire is an opposition to the blue earth, this also suggest violence and conflict.

The actors name then slides in, this is at a slant which is evidence of the speed related to this character, the fact there is a bright light reflecting off of the font shows how the actor will be playing the protagonist, because light is seen as a sign of hope.  

He is wearing a smart suit with a bow tie which suggests wealth and pride; it also shows the audience it will be a modern film. And then 8 seconds into the title sequence we get our first glimpse of the agents face, but the quick shot does not reveal who he really is. However it does suggest a comedic side to the film as the character is seen to be blowing the smoke away from his gun; this is often seen as a humorous action and foreshadows the agent winning his battle – which also gives you an insight to the outcome of the film.

The continuous use of split screen gives a slight sense of confusion which could portray the character’s personality which creates a sub-genre to this film: comedy. We then see a shot of the character but he has his back to the audience as a poker chip roles onto the screen, he quickly turns around and shoots it; this suggests gambling will be a part of the film and the fact the chip is seen to be of a larger scale of the character may suggest how gambling may overcome him and be a problem. However he then shoots the chip which shows he will not be beaten by anything, the circular shape suggests how the agent’s life is never ending and the rolling movement resembles how he is always moving. This could also be representation of a car wheel because it reminded me of Casino Royale which involves action iconography; this reference creates another hint of comedy because the protagonist is a well-known actor known for his funny roles. The small red hearts on the chip could also foreshadow romance, but the smaller scale of them shows how it is less important than his work. As the chip is shot, it spinning towards the audience which involves them into the action, it also suggests how he is protecting everyone from bad deeds/harm because he has destroyed a gold poker chip. The gold colour connotes wealth which suggests the character’s class.

A simple outline of a target is then shown which suggests how the character is always aware of the antagonist and is always prepared to take action with accurate outcomes. The use of the image of the agent’s hand holding a gun shows how he is independent and is able to work on his own but produce good outcomes – as the audience we know having five hands is abnormal which symbolises this character isn’t normal and can work as if it was many people working together. This action also reminded me of a five star rating which shows he has outstanding expectations. The fact he is seen next to this image doing some ‘kung fu’ action moves yet again suggests comedy, because these actions are not seen as serious which shows how the violence will not be as serious as we first thought towards the beginning of the sequence. This also suggests the target audience of this film will be children because the agent uses childlike movements to portray his character.

The circular image is then changed to a roulette table which reinforces the gambling aspect of the film; this shows how the gambling will play an important role in the action because the previous image was of a gun. This could also present an antagonist to the character because even though he thought he had previously destroyed it, it came back.

Another character is then shown; it is a silhouette of a woman, this shot appears to be slower than the previous fast paced ones, this emphasises the femininity of the character and the elegance she with holds. The shape of her body is emphasised as she slightly moves which contributes to the male gaze, this could also imply a romance as her hand reaches out, this may foreshadow she is reaching out for the agent; the fact she is shown in front of fire also shows she is undefeatable which presents how she has a similar personality to the agent creating a ‘perfect’ love story throughout the narrative.

A close up of the protagonist is then shown, he is facing forward in the foreground showing he is superior compared to the small scale woman dancing in the background. Her movements emphasise her body shape which yet again shows the target audience to consist of men because of the male gaze. The fact the woman is duplicated three times suggests the agent is irresistible and attracts many people. The protagonist in the foreground shoots one of the names shown, this may give the audience an insight to who may be playing the role of the antagonist, the font is silvery, metallic which shows strength, and the way in which the agent looks at the audience as he is shooting shows another sense of humour; it could also show his confidence in himself because there was no need for him to aim at his target. The slight raise of an eyebrow makes the audience feel more involved as it is like he is in front of you, and shows how you should be impressed with his skills – like you were not expecting the action.

Images of a target then reveal the location of the film which is London, this setting would be accepted by the audience as many action films have been shot there, and it is sync with the title of the film Johnny English.

The split screen then stops and puts the main focus on a taxi travelling at high speeds, the red bus is a typical icon of London and the traffic cones in the back ground could foreshadow this action coming to an unexpected halt!

The music throughout the sequence is of a fast pace and upbeat suggesting a joyful mood but this suddenly pauses when a shot of the protagonist is shown, he has he legs crossed in silence; this refers back to the beginning of the sequence and his Buddhist clothing. This could be an indication of his faith but the setting of a taxi shows how this is not to be taken seriously. As the audience we are facing the character which shows how we will have an involvement in the film, but the fact the driver is not shown suggests a hidden identity and gives the audience an enigma to why the driver is being kept in secrecy when he is a huge part of the action?

Overall I feel this title sequence analysis has expanded my knowledge on action, comedy films because it has presented several ways in which I can present my title sequence to involve my genre and sub-genre.