Analysing opening scenes - Introduction

Having looked at a number of opening scenes from different genres, I have noticed that the most important purposes of opening sequences are:

• Introducing characters and their traits
• Introducing the setting where the film's action will take place
• Creating enigma/mystery which engages the audience

I am going to look at each of the above in further detail to see how these things are achieved in opening sequences. I have picked two films to discuss character ( 'HotFuzz' and 'BabyDriver'), two films that establish location ( 'The Shining' and 'Saving Private Ryan) and two films that create enigma ('The Usual Suspects' and 'Fight Club').