Opening Sequence Analysis

Sunset Boulevard Opening Sequence
The opening credits of Sunset Blvd start in a black and white context, with incidental sound of string instruments as the title reads “Announcing the most unusual motion picture in many years…”. A tilt shot follows the camera down to a kerb where it then reads “SUNSET BLVD” in a sort of film style font. A fast tracking shot sweeps across the screen backwards and names of actors in the film are then shown. The camera seems unsteady when moving, and gives a feeling of uncertainty- as does the jumpy non diegetic soundtrack played.
After a few characters names have been displayed from the credits, the shot changes and moves to a new scene outside a building. At the top of the frame we see “Paramount Presents” which is an official film making organisation and even at the time of the film (1950’s) it was a reputable company. The camera zooms towards the screen with sort of a camera lens feel (as it moves closer the outside of the frame turns black) and we see a crouded area of people with formal hats and some with cameras.
The scene changes again and we see an elderly looking woman, who seems to be dressed formally for the times and who is talking in a casual but forceful tone on the telephone. The props around the scene are an old fashioned telephone, a standing lamp, and ornaments. Two men stand at the doorway, but are out of focus in the frame which could suggest the character talking on the phone is much more important.
As the woman is speaking, a voice over begins to talk, and the scene changes to newspapers being printed out at a fast pace. We see cross-cutting images of a younger beautiful woman on covers of newspapers (and therefore presume this is who the voice is talking about). We then see a medium shot of a man sitting on a bed, typing on a typewriter. The voiceover continues and it is clear that they are introducing each of the characters. A wide shot of a party group shows a merry theme to the clip, but the music seems to be the same jumpy pace.
The music begins to grow quieter and we see a two-shot of a man and woman (middle aged) who are discussing the love life of the woman. Shot reverse shot is used as the couple speak to each other, and then a typical old film “kiss” happens and the voice over continues throughout the next few seconds of the frame.
A television studio is seen by the audience, and the voice over explains all about the “Hollywood story” which is about to take place. It then again crosses to different characters in different situations, all expressed in a black and white frame. The soundtrack gets more meaningful as a certain lady is shown on the seen and the camera tracks her movements. She is dressed in very upper class clothes and is covered in make-up. As different images of the same woman are portrayed to us, we realise that this woman “Norma” is likely to be the stereotypical character of “femme fatale” within this movie.
The lady “Norma” is sitting on a large sofa with a man looking down on her. We see his point of view from a high angle, and she is completely exposed to the audience. He talks to the lady in an angry and frustrated way which will most likely be developed throughout the film.
Asynchronous sound is heard through telephones and speech, and the frame is constantly cutting to another character, i.e. older actress to younger female on the phone.
Towards the end of the opening sequence, we see police cars and hear the incidental sounds of their sirens coming towards us in the frame, the voice over urges the audience to “come and see the film” which could mean that at some point it was used as a trailer to entice the viewers. The titles then again come down the page, in order to inform us on the producer, director etc.