The difference between film openings and film trailers

A film opening and film trailer have many distinct differences yet they are very easilly and often confused.

Ultimately a film trailer tells the audience the plot and out come of the film in carefully chosen clips from the whole film. It will include the name of the film, usually at the end and will possibly have the director and main actors but is very unlikely to include any other information about the film like producers and editors. Here is an example of a film trailer. It tells the audience that its about the film and gives an idea of the genre, characters and plot. It doesn't leave much to the imagination for the audience but entices the audience into watching further. It also shows the big name star, Daniel Radcliffe which is another big factor in bringing people in to see the film.


A film opening, on the other hand is like the introduction to a film. It is preparing the audience for the whole film, it often establishes the setting, the era and the genre. It is also the time where mise and types of editing is shown and where theatrical themes are established. Generally not much happens in a film opening. This is because its meant to hook the audience in, make them interested, build suspense and make them ask their own questions and make them make their own assumptions and predictions for the film. another reason not much narrative is revealed in the opening of a film is because this is where the opening credits are, the credits give details of the most important cast and crew, it is a legal requirement for this to happen in modern films to make sure people get the recognition they deserve for their work. If too much happened while the credits were coming up the narrative could distract from the credits and visa versa. Here is an example of a film opening. Not much narrative happens in this opening but the scene is set. The setting is esablished and we are given an idea of themes and characters. The main thing is the credits