Film Opening Research #2: Boss Baby (2017)

Film: Boss Baby

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There are two: the distribution company, 20th Century Fox, and the production company Dream Works Animation. The names of the main actors are then shown in a playful and colorful font. At the end of the opening scenes the title "Boss Baby" is shown after zooming out of a distinct "office" of management babies. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

There are several opening sequences. The first sequence develops the theme of creativity and imagination of Timmy. It sets the scene and dynamic of the three Templetons. The first image zooms in to a vibrant animated forest in Congo. Timmy is shown as a courageous traveler fighting off predators. He takes down a gorilla with glasses, but then his mom interrupts. In reality, he was playing with his father in the backyard. The imaginative location is all created by Timmy's mind. Other situations connect reality with his imagination, like saving his parents from a shark and driving a space ship. The scenes are high-energy and action-packed. Then, the shots show his family as unbreakable and strong, establishing Timmy's love for his parents. The next sequence shows Timmy's bedtime patterns. His parents sing to him and bring up the idea of a baby brother. In his dream, he fantasizes a situation where babies are shown as manufactured goods through a factory. Again, these shots symbolize Timmy's immense imagination and gratitude for his family.

What connotations do the images carry?

The main images are vibrant and colorful, signifying Timmy's imagination and childhood. Timmy seems to be content with his life with no siblings. The audience can predict that Timmy will grow jealous and upset by the time consumed by the baby, given that his mom is obviously pregnant. The imaginative situations emphasize Timmy's naivete/. These opening sequences make the audience understand the situation that the movie works with. 

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

The genre of family comedy is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes. The setting changes from realistic to completely imaginative, showing the contrast that takes place in Timmy's perception. Timmy acts strong and proud of his parents, showing the love he has for them. The nighttime song that his parents sing is symbolic to the traditions he holds close to his heart. When his father asks if he wants a baby brother, the audience worries that Timmy will not be able to be affectionate to his new sibling. The concept of childhood is deeply conveyed in Timmy's imagination. The camera shots help emphasize the action throughout each scene. By quickly changing from scene to scene, the shots show the rapid pace that the Templetons play together. The angles used show different perspectives of the situation. Timmy shows a sense of humor when he is introducing himself. Parents and children can both find comedy in the first sequences.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The enigma is established when Timmy rejects the idea of a baby brother. The mother is obviously pregnant, however. The audience anticipates the way Timmy will react when he realizes he will not have all the attention that he gets from his parents. The audience worries for how he will feel about the change in the family's dynamic. Timmy's imagination makes the movie mysterious because, since the movie is shown in first person point of view, it will be hard to realize what is real and fake. 

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

This movie is a family comedy; the typical audiences are families. Most children movies appeal only to children, but Boss Baby includes certain instances that appeal to parents.The opening sequences include eye-catching imagery to capture the audience of children and adults alike. Parents can appreciate the realism of parenting shown in the clip. There are instances where Timmy's imagination reflects the joy of parenting. Throughout the movie, the editors used smart editing techniques to grasp the viewers attention. The narration is from Timmy's perspective, which draws in people that are interested to see how he will react to a new baby brother. 

How has technology been used effectively?
Technology has been used to introduce the theme of family. Though this film was animated, the producers used effective strategies to introduce the characters and situation. The animation flows throughout the film to cut between different shots. The directors use of non-diegetic and diegetic sound influenced the impact that the opening sequences had on the viewer. Overall, the use of technology to create new and dynamic images contributed heavily to the outcome of the film.