Opus Opening Sequence

The opening sequence establishes a lot about our hero/protagonist, Ariel, and her world. Let's break it down together.

What do we learn about Ariel? Her world?

The scene opens with Ariel pitching a story about Tamra Camden:

"She's had two hit-less albums back to back, but someone else's take is the ticket. We need hers. We need someone who can get her to actually open up, be honest... Somebody who can get her to say something brutal, or cocky – whatever it actually is. What does she still want from music? What does she still think was, you know, missing from that last project? The only thing a story about a legend like Tamara Camden is missing, is as much Tamara Camden as possible."

Her boss responds to her pitch by saying, "Damn good point, Ariel. I'd read that."

And then he immediately turns to the two people sitting next to him and asks their opinion on a writer other than Ariel to write it. What does this tell us about Ariel and how she's perceived in her world? Do the visuals support or contradict how she's perceived?

Compare/Contrast the following shots from the opening sequence of Opus:

Both shots feature a writer center frame, with two people on either side of them. But what do the differences suggest? About the characters? About their world? About their power/role?

Develop your understanding of the film's sound – watch again from the beginning:

What do you notice about the sound with the opening credits? Describe the sound.

What do you notice about the sound as Ariel gives her pitch?

What does the stark contrast in sound from the opening credits to the opening sequence highlight or underscore?

Describe the sound effects/non diegetic sound that begins as Ariel grits her teeth and the meeting ends. What is the effect? What does this sound suggest about the mood, tone, and world of this film?