After watching the opening to Four Weddings and a Funeral, and not quite making it to the profound swearing part, I have managed to note a few things that Curtis uses in attracting and keeping the audience hooked.
Firstly the credits role over a black background, floral headers and footers mark the 'Polygram filmed entertainment and Channel Four Films' making it appear like an invitation to a weddings, and also written below this are the words 'Invite you to.' This formal addressing of the audience instantly makes them feel a part of the film, and also captivated, a simple invitation makes the audience feel involved and actually acknogledged, which in most films they are not. It makes the audience also intrigued by what they are invited too, besides the fact of the film being called Four Weddings and a Funeral, they will be wondering what lies in store for them personally as themselves personally are invited. The lead casts names follow in the same manner, white font on black, leading into the next shot of a close up flower, which zooms out to reveal a small bouquet of flowers lieing on a table beside the film title, 'Four Weddings and Funeral'.
This creates the feel of the wedding reception where each table, or person rather, has their name card placed on a table. This follows the pattern of feeling invited to a an actual wedding, and this is a typical convention of weddings which the audience would be familiar with. Also as the camera is so close to the table we cannot see any of the surrounding area, a slight directed and secluded look where we have to wait to be shown more about the film.
The best part about the opening sequence is the introduction of characters. Hugh Grant is first up with his lazy character Charles who sloppily turns off his alarm, the background messy. We can see his suit hanging up, presumably for the wedding and also a ladies hat implying a female is also present. This instant addressing of the characters makes the audience warm to him straight away, he is the first character shown, and is also semi naked in his bed. This creates and informal like bond between him and the audience, the audience can warm to him as he is open and relaxed and we are shown his bedroom instantly, a sort of friendly manner.
The next character to be introduced is James Fleets Tom, a completely different atmosphere from Charles bedroom as when Tom's alarm goes off he jumps from bed and merrily gets ready. This also creates a good friendly bond between audience and character.
Next is Krostom Scott Thomas' Fiona, Tom's sister who also is much more organised than Charles. The two rooms where these siblings live are quite formal and well kept, unlike Charles'. This begins to show more depth to the characters and possible plot turners as we being to see a slight social status creeping in here.
Next is Simon Callow and John Hannah with, Gareth and Matthew, the first couple introduced, who are both getting ready for the 'event' still uninformed of it being a wedding or the funeral. Gareth makes breakfast, another reference to convention along with dress picking shown by Fiona, earlier mornings shown by Charles and Tom, all things that people would recognise from personal experience and all things that they could relate too.
The waking up is the best part of this opening, and how it introduces the characters through waking up into the film alongside them, you begin with no knowledge of whats going on just like them. There is also no indication to the piece being a comedy, apart from what individuals may funny there is no real comedic moments.
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