Analysis of the Opening Sequence of 'Lion King'

The opening of Lion King (1994-Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff) suggests a hybrid Genre of a fantasy film, adventure and musical. The fantasy genre is suggested by all the different species of animals shown in the sequence. These animals also seem to have human qualities; for example the baboon in the sequence seems to ‘baptise’ the lion cub, when the lion cub is presented to the ‘crowd’ they all bow down to him and the baboon and the lion hug. The adventure genre is suggested by the way all the animals in the land all go towards where the lion cub is being presented in large numbers. The musical genre is suggested by the way the non-diagetic music plays a huge part in the opening sequence. Anyone who has seen Lion King knows the opening song is instantly recognisable and always linked to the film. Also, people who have seen the film know that musical sequences play a huge part in the film.

Characters in Lion King are all animals, which conforms to the convention of a children’s film. The main character here seems to be the lion cub, because all attention is on him, because all the animals have come to see him and he gets baptised, which allows children to be able to identify with the lion cub. This main character also conforms to the stereotype of a lion being ‘The King of the Jungle’, because the lion cub is presented to the crowd like a king. This also suggests hew lion cub is a hero, because the crowd bow down to him, which conforms to the convention of a children’s film character. The all the characters seem to be friendly and positive because they all hug and respect each other. This again conforms to the convention of a children’s film character.

The atmosphere in the opening sequence of Lion King is extremely upbeat and happy. This is because of the music in the scene represents a positive attitude and sets the scene for how the rest of the film will play out. The way the sun rises up to create high key lighting and present a positive attitude. All the characters seem positive because they are all laughing and smiling presenting a happy atmosphere. This all shows how the convention for atmosphere in a children’s film.

The narrative in the opening scene of Lion King gives the moral message of community and family, because it shows all the animals going to see the lion cub and cheering and bowing down to him and shows how his family is close by his side. The start of the film conforms to the convention of a children’s film because it starts happy and upbeat because of the music and emotion of the characters. The opening suggests that the lion cub will become ‘King’ because he is presented to and praised by the visiting crowd, suggesting that the lions are their ‘rulers’. This suggests that the outcome of the film will be the lion cub becoming king and have a happy ending, thus conforming to the convention of a children’s film.