Opening Sequence: Goodfellas (Cinematography Analysis)

Opening Sequence: Goodfellas 

(Warning, this scene contains graphical violence and is of a violent nature. Watch at your own risk...) 

Cinematography Analysis:

Tracking shot- This shot is used in the first scene of this opening sequence. This shot is used to keep the audience in pace with the characters movements within the scene. Moreover, this shot was used to show the surroundings as it was a wide shot of the full vehicle. This shot allows the audience to get an understanding of the setting of where this film is being set which sees to be on the dark roads. This gives off a sense of mystery to the viewer. 

Close-up Shot- This shot was used to show the three main characters (the gangsters) and this type of shot is used to show their significance as they are all seen in this shot equal to the main character (Henry; the driver) and this shows how each character in this shot is as equally significant as the other. Moreover, this shot is very long and is a constant shot. This is to express the atmosphere within the scene so that the audience can get an understanding of the situation. Furthermore, there is no camera angle or camera movement within this shot as the camera is still and is primarily focused on presenting the characters facial expression. 

Wide Shot- The shot of the three characters walking towards the back of the vehicle is a wide shot as it is used to show the audience/viewer the setting of where the scene is taking place. This can be used to convey the story-line as it makes the viewer interpret the outcome of this scene. Moreover, the use of a wide shot is to show what the characters are going to do next and why are they doing it. There are no camera movements in this scene as well as angles however, the angle of the camera is vertical which is to show the true perception of what the scene is meant to show.

Close-up Shot and slow tracking- The use of a close-up of the car signifies that there is something in the boot of the car which increases the audiences interaction with what;s going to happen next. In addition, it is used to show the surroundings of where the three characters are. There is a slow tracking shot when the camera moves slowly closer to the car which gives off a sense of thrill to what can happen next or what is 'going' to happen next in the scene and the use of the slow movement is trying to get the audience ready for a dramatic and shocking scene that is about to come up. 

However, the scene of the back of the vehicle could also be perceived as a point of view shot as the view point of the vehicle is the same way in which the three characters are facing and this shot could be from their perception. Moreover, the slow tracking could be seen a a slight zoom in which could fit into the point of view shot as it can give the audience the emotional connection in which the characters are feeling when they see the boot of the car and this builds up tension within the scene.

Medium Shot, Tilt, Pan and Zoom in Shot- The scene where the characters prepare for what's going to happen the camera seems to tilt upwards slightly at the two gangsters. This shot was used to show how superior these characters are in this scene and how dominant they are over other characters. The entire shot is a medium shot as it shows all three characters from the waist which is used to show the characters body language as well as the background; to give the audience a sense of where the scene is taking place. There is also a pan shot which is predominate used to show the audience the current actions of other characters and what there doing during this event. Moreover, the pan shot was used to illustrate to the audience that the character to the left (Henry) is about to do something as the pan shot syncs in nicely when the two characters (who the camera focuses on before the pan) turn their head towards Henry, and this show the audience that Henry is going to play a significant role in the next scene. Furthermore, the use of a zoom shot before the pan takes place is used to convey to the audience that the two characters that the camera now focuses are going to play the more important part in this scene. 

Close-up, Point-of-View Shot and Slight Zoom- The shot of when Henry opens the boot of the car is a point of view shot because this can be the perception of the other two character waiting for Henry to fully open the door. There is also a slight zoom in when Henry opens the door. This can be used to create tension to the audience conveying that something scary/thrilling (edge of the seat moment) is about to happen. Moreover, the type of shot used is a close-up to show to the viewers that something important is about to happen and that this scene is one of the most significant scenes and this is used to engage the audience in to the scene. 

Point of view Shot- There is a point of view shot used when the main gangster shoots multiple times at the victim who lurks in the boot. This shot is from the characters perspective/view point as the gun is visible and the camera acts like the eyes of the character and sees everything we see. 

Medium Shot and Zoom in to Close-up Shot- The use the medium shot was the main shot used in the first seconds of this scene (where Henry closes the boot door) and this is to show Henry's facial expression about the current actions and event that just took place. There is a fast zoom in when the boot door closes and the type of shot changes to a close up of Henry's face which is used to show is facial expression and for the audiences main focus to be on him.