HARRIET - Discussing Introduction To Main Characters In Childrens Films. (EXTRA RESEARCH)

"Think of a memorable character from a children's film and find the scene when they are first introduced to the audience. Analyse what makes them memorable - make reference to editing, sound, camerawork, mise-en-scene, and make links to open sequence conventions."

TOY STORY - BUZZ LIGHTYEAR


When 'Buzz Lightyear' is first brought into the film, the audience doesn't actually know. There is a child's birthday party in which 'Buzz' is one of the presents. However, the film-makers hide this fact until a few minutes later, to build suspension, and to also build up the storyline. We can tell, however, that the present is something big, as all the children scream and shout, as well as gather round 'Buzz' so that the camera shot can't see what it is. Then comes the drama which the toys have in the bedroom when they are so desperate to hear what is in the present, that 'Rex' knocks the walkie talkie off the bedside table, creating an outrage between the toys as they now do not know what this present consists of! During this time, the audience is left wondering what is going to happen. There is then a lot of excitement shown as they take 'Buzz' to the birthday boys' bedroom. They enter, and the following camera shots are all low, showing only the rush of their feet around the room, building even more tension. We can only then guess the childrens' facial expressions, as we hear them talking about lots of things which seem "cool", about this 'Buzz' toy. As they are all children, they pretend that 'Buzz' is not a toy, and pretend that 'Buzz's' "spaceship" lands on his bed. This is when we see him for the first time. We only get a quick glance of his packaging here, though, before the camera concentrates back on the kids again. There is then a roaming shot of the room, silent and messy after having been invaded by the children. 'Woody', 'Andy's' supposedly favourite toy, had got knocked off and his "place" on the bed taken by 'Buzz'. As 'Woody' climbs back onto the bed, a soundtrack for 'Buzz's' introduction starts to play, and the camera zooms out from 'Woody's' face to find 'Buzz's' legs. The camera moves up 'Buzz's' body, ending in a high angle shot, which makes 'Buzz' look inferior to 'Woody'. This portrays 'Woody' to be the 'badie', and 'Buzz' to be the 'goodie'. However, he has his hands on his hips and a cheesy smile as to make 'Buzz' look like he's intimidating the other toys. A point of view shot puts us in 'Buzz's' shoes, making us see this- that he is 'above' everyone else. He then shows off his 'features', and these shown on 'Buzz' are ones that all children would love, engaging them in the film further. They want to be able to believe in the movie itself.
All the characters involved in the opening sequence are children, with their family, and typical toys. Children can relate to these easily as most will be familiar with the family relationships and with toys such as those involved in the movie.