RESEARCH - FILM OPENING ANALYSIS: MEAN GIRLS

 

I analysed the opening scene of Mean Girls, which is a teenage comedy released in 2004.

Throughout this scene, there were around 30 titles, including names of actors, editors, directors, and even costume designers. The credits were stretched throughout the whole 4-minute scene, showing how many people were involved in making this film.

In this opening scene, the images that are prioritised are the school, and all the different people attending it. There are all different types of social groups, and we are introduced to all of these very early on. This is one of the ways I think the film appeals to its target audience. This is a comedy for teenagers, so having characters a similar age to some viewers makes it relatable and more entertaining. The different types of people mean all people watching can associate themselves with a character, making it an enjoyable watch for everyone. They can compare different characters to different people they know at school.
In my opinion, the images of all the schools and students have very overwhelming connotations, and a very unwelcoming environment. We are seeing it all from the view of Cady – whom it is her first day at the school – and we can empathise with how difficult it must be. This also keeps us engaged and wanting to carry on watching – we want to know who she ends up friends with and who ends up being friendly, etc. We are also introduced to the two mains teachers – Ms Norbury and Principal Duvall. There are obvious flirtations going on between them in the short time they are shown on the screen, and this is another insight of what is to come throughout the film.

Throughout this opening scene, although short, there are a lot of different camera angles used, for different effect. The first thing we see in the film is Cady saying goodbye to her parents before heading into school. During this, there is an over the shoulder shot of the parents looking at their daughter, as she innocently smiles at them. This shows the teenage audience that Cady is perhaps quite oblivious to what’s to come, and she may be slightly ‘geeky’ as she’s excited for school.

There is also a low angled shot of Cady’s parents, looking worriedly at her. This low angle shot has Cady’s parents looking down, symbolising their superiority over their daughter, and they still see her as a child.