Opening Title Sequence 1

The Holiday

00:00

00:03 - Columbia (Music begins)

00:10 - Universal

00:19 - Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures presents

00:24 - In association with Relativity Media

00:34 - A Waverly Films production

00:54 - A film by Nancy Meyers 

01:00 - Cameron Diaz

01:06 - Kate Winslet

01:11 - Jude Law

01:24 - Jack Black

01:47 - Film title

02:06 - Eli Willach

02:13 - Edward Burns

02:20 - Rufus Sewell

02:24 - Casting and UK casting by...

02:38 - Music by...

02:44 - Costume designer

03:11 - Edited by…

03:15 - Production designer

03:20 - Director of photography

03:32 - Executive producer

03:37 - Produced by...

Analysis:

A close up is used of video footage of two people kissing in a romantic outdoor setting whilst soft slow music is played. This music is at first non digetic, but then when the camera zooms out, we see the actor, Jack Black, creating the music changing it to digetic sound. The significance of this on the audience is that it immediately tells us his characters job type (music producer) and suggests this is important within the storyline of the film. It also implies his character is very hard working or work orientated as we first see him working. A woman then walks in and a close up shows him kiss her hand. He is shown on screen whilst other actors' credits come up for example, Cameron Diaz, this is because they had featured as main characters in other films whereas 'The Holiday' was Jack Black's first major appearance in a film. Jack black is on screen for the longest amount of time (45 seconds) compared to any other characters until Kate Winslet appears. At 1:07, Kate Winslet's name is credited, she also begins to narrate here over the music which is non digetic sound, until the very end of the opening scene. This emphasises that she is a main character and her thoughts and feelings are important within the film's storyline. At 1:45 the music pace quickens and the film title is shown. The music suggests the film is set around Christmas because this is a time when you hear instrumentals rather than typical pop music. The music also suggests it is a lighthearted and happy time of year because of the quick pace and high pitch, also highlighting the films genre of a romantic comedy as Christmas is a time when people and families come together. Cameron Diaz first appears in a car and a man gets in the car with her. As they drive away a close up shot is used focusing on the cars badge highlighting it is expansive and then the camera tilts up to reveal the busy road they drive into, suggesting they are in town. This contrasts with the way Jack Black and Kate Winslet's characters are presented working suggesting her characters life is quite glamorous in comparison to Jack Black's and Kate Winslet's who both first appear working independently.

I particularly like the narration throughout the opening sequence as it makes the film appear fairytale like, reinforcing the idea of the film being set at Christmas which is considered a magical time of year.