Analysis: The Red Violin Opening

Sadly I was unable to find a copy of this opening sequence on YouTube. If one becomes available, I will add it to this Blog post.

Titles:

• A font (that could be judged as generic) has been used for the titles in a white colour. The simplicity of the text means we understand what is written immediately.
• Names of Actors or Staff fade in one after the other, but are always present in pairs. This means more names can be displayed in a shorter amount of time, so as not to distract from the subtitles in the workshop sequence.
• The text is always placed near the edges or corners of the frame, but never in the centre. This almost provides a window for the viewer to look through in order to see the action unfold.
• The appearance of Title text 'waits' until the crafting scene, so as not to distract from the subtitles, and so the viewer is focused on the drama that unfolds within the frame. After the scene has completed itself, the titles carry on appearing.
• At the end of the opening sequence, the Title appears over a black background, but with scattered red lettering behind it. Some of the more distant lettering appears to be musical notations.

Sound and Dialogue:

When the sequence begins over the blurred violin bodies, the music is composed of long, sorry violin notes. The pace of the music at this point matches with the pace of the motion of the footage. But, as the footage clarifies, the music intensifies, matching the intensification of focus. As we move through the building, the music calms, but then slightly crescendos when as the workshop is revealed. Also at this point, the Diegetic audio of the workshop is audible, adding to the atmosphere. As we move away from the view of the workshop doorway, the music quietens (but the Diegetics do not), but the music intensifies when we meet another archway over a flaming fire. The intensified music displays the energy of the flame. But, as we move to the third archway, the music deepens and fades away, leaving only diegetic sound. 

Now, we hear nothing but the Dialogue of the craftsman talking to his staff. He is speaking in a foreign language (possible Spanish or French, subtitles used) to his worker, beginning what seems to be a complement to his violin he has produced. But as he progresses in his speech, his tone begins to turn bad, and he finishes his statement by telling the worker that is is not good enough, before smashing the violin on a bench. The build up of the compliments means us, the viewers originally think this violin is the titular red violin/at least a success, but we are let down/shocked when it is shown otherwise. The sudden turn of mood highlights the man's sour character.

The music then kicks back in when the title appears with a magnificent, dramatic crescendo. As we are shown the new man walking towards the auction room, we hear the dialogue of an auctioneer over speakers. The auctioneer is receiving and confirming bids on [what is revealed when we enter the auction room] a violin. As we then enter the auction room, all we hear is the auctioneer auctioning the violin. The strike of his hammer when the violin is bought triggers the crowds whispers, which show activity in the environment, and bring us into the story action of the film.