Which Great Movie Has a Bad Opening Scene?

While Casablanca is often hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, and a personal favorite of mine, it is worth noting that even this cinematic masterpiece has a notoriously ham-fisted opening scene.

The Case of Casablanca

Casablanca, despite being a beloved classic, opens with a voice-over that serves exclusively as exposition and does not recur in the film. This voice-over describes unrelated events, such as a character getting an exit visa, in a manner that feels unnecessarily convoluted. Such a style of introduction adds a cumbersome layer to the film's narrative, detracting from the immersive and engaging experience that is so characteristic of the movie's spirit.

Challenging the Rules of Great Filmmaking

An enlightening discussion on the potential conflict between great filmmaking and narrative construction can be found in William Goldman's book, Hype and Glory. The author, a renowned screenwriter and producer, analyzes the complexities of filmmaking and highlights the futility of pinning down the rules of great film-making. He uses the example of Casablanca's opening scene to illustrate this point, underlining the inherent difficulty in creating a seamless and engaging narrative.

Other Films with Outstanding Openings but Flawed Starts

Interestingly, there are several other movies that, despite having outstanding openings, falter somewhat with their early scenes. Let's explore some prominent examples that challenge the conventional wisdom of what makes for a strong start to a film.

EPIC WOULD BE APPROPRIATE: Batman Dark Knight

Tim Burton's interpretation of Batman, from Batman to Batman Returns, has a visuals-heavy opening that delivers a thrilling sequence but litters the scene with underdeveloped characters and a somewhat disjointed narrative. The Dark Knight trilogy, while immensely popular, began with a more mature and darker tone. At the start, the film introduces Batman's origin story, which, while visually stunning and packed with action, suffers from an overly complex and under-prioritized chronology that can be off-putting to the audience.

Pre-cision: The Prestige

The Prestige, a movie that should be celebrated for its imaginative and intricate narrative, takes a while to be fully immersive. The opening reveals multiple plot elements through a montage punctuated by dry exposition, a style that can be tedious and overwhelming. Much like Casablanca, the setup often feels like a necessary evil, overshadowing the film's brilliant performances and technical prowess.

Puzzling Together the Puzzle: Inside Man

The Inside Man, a thriller that delivers several twists and turns, initially may not seem to have a striking opening. However, the film's first scene, where the robbery is interrupted by a sly and well-mannered intruder, sets the stage for a complex assembly of events. The opening, though intriguing, is intricate in several aspects, leading to a challenging and layered introduction that offers little payoff initially.

Lessons from the Movies

From these examples, we can draw several insights into the art of filmmaking. One major takeaway is that even movies lauded as classics or blockbusters sometimes stumble in their opening scenes. Effective storytelling requires not only a strong narrative but also a well-executed introduction that can captivate the audience from the very first moments.

Additionally, the examples demonstrate the importance of considering the overall impact of the film. An opening that feels disjointed can be mitigated by a compelling narrative that unites the disparate elements and rewards the audience with a cohesive and thrilling experience.

Conclusion

While some films like Casablanca may have weak opening scenes, recognizing these imperfections can provide valuable insights into the complexities of film-making. By analyzing the techniques and outcomes of different approaches, filmmakers and enthusiasts alike can better appreciate the artistry and challenges involved in crafting a truly engaging and memorable opening scene.