Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a 2010  film  based on the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film is about Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), a young Canadian musician, meeting the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an American delivery girl. In order to win Ramona, Scott learns that he must defeat Ramona's "seven evil exes", who are coming to kill him.'

General Info

•  Genre: Comedy
•  Released: 2010
• Director: Edgar Wright
• Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
• Budget: $90,000,000
• Box office: $47,664,559
• Distributed by: Universal Studios

Ananlysis

The opening sequence of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World starts with an establishing shot of a band with cartoon like lightning bolts coming from the amps and instruments, this already giving an indication that this film will contain comic/cartoon like elements as well as real life. There is then a reverse shot coming away from the band. The further away from the band the camera gets the more powerful the lightning bolts and music become, giving the idea that this is how the film will be throughout, powerful and suspenseful; always leading up to something. Once the music reaches its most powerful the title ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ bursts onto the screen after being created by the lightning bolts. The opening credits then begin, they are all quite flashy and retro, fitting in with the retro gamer theme associated with this film. The background is very colourful and sketchy and fast paced, which fits with the tone of the guitar being played. The sequence then finishes with a shot reverse zoom shot of a girl  saying ,’You guys are so awesome’, giving the impression this is the impact the film should have on its viewers.

I think the opening of ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ works really well and having seen the film, believe it is a true portrayal of what it is all about. The superimposed lightning bolts add to the idea that this is a unique film combining elements of cartoon/comic with reality, something which gives it a unique selling point. The power of the opening scenes makes you want to watch further and find out why they are ‘so awesome’

Notes

The music is very relevant to the film – fast paced, lively, powerful helping it appeal to its target audience teens. This is something me and Flossi will take note of as we need to make sure that the music we use will be ‘relevant’ and appropriate towards our target audience. The reverse shot is something we also plan to feature heavily in our film, it gives the impression to viewers that they are there and following the journey of the characters, giving them some sort of connection to the character and inclination to watch the film.