'Hairspray' Opening Scene Analysis

In order to learn and understand in greater depth the conventions of chick-flick films, I will be analysing the opening scene from 'Hairspray'. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LOYbhl0_es

Institutions and Titles

• New Line Cinema Logo appears first. (not shown in the clip featured)
• 'New Line Cinema presents' title. (also not shown)
• 'in association with Ingenious Film Partners' title.
• 'Hairspray' title cleverly appears in a cloud of hairspray- bright blue in colour, fades out. 

Camera and Editing

• Zoom in from VLS, almost a direct birds eye view to establish city setting. We see many houses, and a river/sea.
• Zoom in on newspaper showing 'Baltimore, MAY 3 1962' place, date and time of day all quickly established.
• CU of men shining shoes, HA of man opening shutters to shop, LS of women crossing a road. Morning routine for other characters. 
• More shots of setting.
• CU of alarm clock- signal for the entrance of our main character- CU of her eyes. 
• Quick paced editing of her getting out of bed and getting dressed, CU's of  feet, arms, full face shot not until film is introduced (by title shot shown above)
• Shot of hairspray nozzle facing the camera, spraying a mist of hairspray. 
• Cross cut from fridge door opening to inside fridge shot- looking out at Tracy. 
• Frame within a frame, 2.58. 

Sound

• Diegetic noises: seagulls, car honks, cats and dogs, bicycle bell, general hustle and bustle of the streets. 
• Upbeat orchestral musics begins to play, start of 'Good Morning Baltimore' opening song. 
• Alarm clock goes- signal for the entrance of our main character
• Song gains volume as title of film appears. 
• Television plays in conjunction with the song- same lyrics spoken/sang.
• Comedic screams as women encounter the 'flasher', and comedic thud as 'bum' hits his head on the bar counter 
• School bell, 4.20.

Mise-en-scene

• Bright natural lighting, outdoors, happy content atmosphere.
• Smiling and bubbly Tracy presents an optimistic outlook on life- especially towards things such as her missing the school bus and the rats. She interacts with everything around her.