Art of the title: To Kill a Mocking bird

 

The opening of the film is effective in numerous ways; compressing many of the key themes and issues into the opening credits. This is shown firstly; through the constant child-like flow of the camera movement and effects, the narration that is vital in setting the tone of scene for the audience, the symbolical objects and also the introduction of the characters, which are all pivotal in exposing many major themes and issues which prove to be significant in the film.

In particular, the strong focus and selection of the objects applied in the opening credits of the film, are one of the most predominate signifiers of the story's symbolism and themes which increase in meaning as the story unfolds. The items that emerge behind the opening credits comprise of; a pocket watch, safety pins, coins, stationary,  marbles and a child's illustration of a bird. The drawing also seems to comprise of a sea wave which then emerges into the next shot of a beaded chain. The child-like sketches can be distinguished as detached lines typically in the split of the mockingbird, a chasm.

The camera seems to move in a child-like perspective from firstly; the repeated use of extreme close-ups, used continuously throughout the opening sequence; possessing a sense of lyricism resulting in the viewers association of somewhat honesty. The extreme close-ups track from left to right displaying the cautiously arranged possessions. The type-face used is similar to the font used in a type writer; commonly associated with police reports, this highlights awareness that the film has an underlining basis involving the law and equality- as one of the reasons as to why the law is enforced, is to create justice.

The non-diagetic soundtrack enables the viewer to undergo an aural experience. The playing of the classical piano generates a vintage atmosphere. The melancholy piano music and the diagetic sound of the humming of the child, contribute to the overall disposition and mood reflected throughout the film. There is also the incessant ticking of a watch featured diageticly in the sequence. This constructs a notion of time passing. Furthermore, the melody can be seen in association with the camera shots used in the opening credits reflecting the emphasis of various significant issues in the film. A unaccompanied flute is also featured in the opening sequence of the soundtrack which; then leads on to the birds-eye view all of the objects shown in one frame, where a full orchestra the starts to play. This can be seen as symbolically representing all of the themes being depicted at once.