Analysis of Space Jam Opening Titles

Analysis of Space Jam Opening Titles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjGPA64ZIY8

At the start it begins with a clear night sky and a shooting star crossing the screen, then the camera pans down to uncover the bright white full moon. Then the camera tracks down to a young boy playing basketball in his back yard. As the camera tracks down to the child, the song "I believe I can fly"- R Kelly starts to play. The next shot is a reverse shot, still showing the boy playing basketball with the words SUMMER 1973 fading into picture. This sets the scene, explaining the time period of the film and introducing the character. As the boy continues to shoot baskets a light appears from the house and a man is visible walking towards the window. Subsequently the following shot is a mid close-up of the man at the window. Then as the man opens the door there is a shot reverse shot, when the man says the boys name "Michael" and the boy turns after hearing his voice. Dialogue between the two quickly establishes that the man is the boys son. Character assignment begins, with the young boy being called Michael and his father. During the dialogue the father is trying to persuade Michael to come inside because it was late. Throughout the first two minutes allot has been explained, the theme of the movie has been indicated by the boy playing basketball late into the night. There is a great emphasis on basketball in the next two and half minutes of the titles. Following the dialogue between the two Michael goes for one last shot. In slow motion he runs towards the hoop and in mid air flashes of the actual Michael Jordan appears. Evidently Michael Jordan plays a pivotal roll in the film, and the rest of the titles depict flash clips of his basketball career while also rapidly introducing the cast with a flash effect.