Textual analysis (Austin Powers)

I have chosen to use this clip for my textual analysis as it is very unique in terms of comedy movie openings. It is done in the style of a music video, and uses the iconic Austin Powers music that comes to be known by millions.

We get very little information about the narrative of the film, except that it is based around Mike Myers' character Austin Powers. The small details given about this character are subtle, but are picked up by most members of the audience through different techniques used by the director. The comedy factors of the opening are based on the hope that the audience understands and appreciates the use of British stereotypes throughout the scene, as the introduction of the character relies heavily on this theme. The character is represented as somewhat of a gimmick or joke with the use of ridiculously overdone British stereotypes giving the audience an instant idea of what type of film its going to be. This is reinforced with the different shots throughout the scene such as the character being chased through the streets by dozens of women and his general presence throughout the scene saying things like "oh  behave" and doing dance moves in the street.

Unlike lots of other films, this opening scene doesn't actually effect any of the narrative in the slightest. It is mostly just a fun video for the audience to enjoy, and to fill up the parts of the film that displays names and production companies.

In terms of shot types, Mike Myers' character is always the focus of the shot, making him seem important and instantly centers the story around him. There are lots of long - mid shots in order to show the general surroundings of the character, and the occasional close up mostly used for comedic effect such as when he says "oh behave!". There are no POV or over the shoulder shots throughout the entire opening sequence, which suggests the director wants the audience to feel like a bystander watching the scenario from a back seat. This links to the film being somewhat of a gimmick or parody, as the director doesn't try to create any form of empathy in the scene.

The editing is purposely tacky and overdone throughout the scene with lots of freeze frames used for comedic purposes. This further emphasises the pointless yet humorous aspects of the clip. The cuts from shot to shot are done very well throughout the scene though, as they (as well as the mise en scene) coincide with the music used.