Austin Powers Opening Sequence Analysis

The opening of Austin Powers International Man of Mystery immediately starts off with what seems to be slow and dramatic style music being played as the credits come up. At this point we see that this film was distributed by New Line Cinema. A long shot is then used which i think is effective because it helps show the audience the type of environment and scenario that the film is set in. At this point the film seems to be a typical serious spy film. As the text comes up it is presented in a type sort of way which i think gives the movie a documented feel. As the characters some into view we see that they are quite exaggerated and obvious antagonist roles. The eye patch and dark classes show straight away that these characters must be villains and the fact that they are shown in this obvious way introduce to the audience that this film is a spoof or a more fun spy film.

We then see the scene change to introduce the main character “Austin Powers” and the upbeat and lively non diegetic music kicks in straight away, this being the theme tune of Austin Powers. This type of music shows the audience that it maybe not a serious spy film. As the credits and titles begin to show we see that various bright colours and shapes are used which also makes the film seem more laid back and fun. The costumes and hairstyles of the actors show us that it must be set around the 1960s. As we see the characters dancing around the street it shows us that this is more of a comedy film rather than a serious action movie. The music and the colours of the film are the main things that add to the less serious and fun side of this genre.