The
beginning of Notting Hill starts off with the shop owner speaking to a man who
has tried to steal a book by placing it in his trousers. An over the shoulder
shot is used to show the two characters talking to each other. The man trying
to steal the book is wearing barker cloths and the dark cloths connote danger
and crime. He is stereotyped as a thief by wearing dark cloths, having a
stubble beard and scruffy hair. The store owner is presented as a formal man
because of is smart, light blue, shirt and smart hair.
As
this scene switches from shoulder to shoulder shots of the owner and thief,
there are quick shots of a lady who is in the store with them. A medium shot is
used to show her reading some books and she is made to look a bit mysterious as
she is wearing a black leather jacket, a black beret and dark sunglasses. This
could also indicate that she is the love interest because she is the first girl
shown on screen with a medium shot in the film.
Later
on, we are shown a three shot of the owner, lady and Rufus (the thief) at the
front desk. The girl is about to buy a book until Rufus approaches her asking
for an autograph, implying that she is famous and well known. This could
explain why she is wearing dark clothing to hide her identity. After she signs
the book, she reads out what she wrote – “Dear Rufus, you belong in jail”.
Rufus sort of smiles and this could also indicate that is movie will contain
some humor and comedy, as well as romance. During this part, we can hear the
diegetic sound of the paper rustling. Throughout the intro, we can also hear the
diegetic sound of people and cars outside of the shot. This ambient sound of
the stop gives the impression that we are there as well.
We
are the left with a two shot of the lady and the book shop owner for the rest
of the opening scene. This could hint that the romantic couple in the film are
them however we are not shown any indication that they are in love with each
other yet and this makes the audience want to watch further to see what
happens.
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