Film Opening Research #1: Clueless

how many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

Paramount's infamous title is displayed to formally open the film. From there, a less formal and more Clueless-style title appears naming Paramount as the production studio in charge of the upcoming film. The film title Clueless appears on the screen making this the second title appearing during the opening sequence.

what images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

A jeep, Cher's shopping bags, a cherry.

what connotations do the images carry?

Each of these gives off a great feeling of lavish-living. It is clear that Cher and her friends have no care in the world, as the scene continuously switches back and forth from the friends riding past palm trees in an open Jeep, sitting by the pool laughing, sitting in a restaurant eating as they feed one of their friends a cherry. Each of these symbols gives off an idea that Cher and her friends are living a carefree life.

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

Clueless is a chick-film, and the lavish, carefree, excited nature of the opening scene supports this.

how does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The film begins with a dozen of rich teenagers living their best life- what else is going to happen? Based off of the trope that Hollywood has created surrounding rich young adults and their ridiculously unrelatable lifestyles and problems, it draws viewers in and makes them wonder what could go wrong in this character's picture perfect life.

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

Being that this film is a chick-flick, there is the typical pink, feminine decor and graphics.

how has technology been used effectively? 

Clueless was produced in 1995, right as new technology began to develop in the film industry. The director uses slowed-down, shaky filming to give a more authentic shot of the teenagers. Also present, albeit unrealistic, is Cher's computerized closet. Through this use of technology, Cher picks through photos of the items in her closet and chooses her outfit electronically. This use of technology was extremely unknown and unrealistic to people during this time, as technology had not yet grown to what we see now, two decades later.