Representation: Catch me if you can Opening Sequence

1. In the opening sequence to 'Catch me if you can' what or who is being represented is somewhat obscure, as the while opening sequence is animated. If watched closely some hints are given to the plot but still the characters themselves aren't introduced only the actor names.
2. The way in which this film is being represented is not to give away any of the twists in the story line or any of the main events but it gives 'tasters' of the story to come luring the audience to continue watching.
3. The representation isn't made to be 'true', 'common-sense' or 'natural' it is to intrigue the audience. To introduce the cast and crew subtly. In some ways this is 'true' as it represents the overall theme of the film as unrealistic and unlikely but as it is based on a true story this just makes the opening sequence ever more vital to conceal the plot.
4. In this opening there are no stereotypes portrayed as such but the two characters it focuses on (the apparent detective and the individual man) there is an idea given that the man running away is the 'good guy' and the detective is the 'bad guy' giving away some detail of the story line.
5. There are two characters that are mainly foregrounded. The Inspector and the criminal. Some events that occur throughout the film are being backgrounded. The notable absence is the fact that it is all animated not allowing the audience to see the actor/characters faces.
6. There is not a particular representation shown but the audience is shown the interests of the main character that throughout the film cause him problems and are the focus of the main plot.
7. The audience can make easy sense of the representation being shown. It dosn't go by many codes, it dosn't connect to Mulvey's code but it has some hidden images and meaning connecting to Barthes concept of myth. The concept of myth is simply is using hidden messages/metaphores to help us make sense of our experiences. In a way the fact that the main character although clever and manages to out smart the authorities of the world is still only a teenager. Also the fact that his father later on in the film looses all sourses of income just adds to the irony. The opening sequence is vital for setting the scene for this film as the story line is long and can be quite slow if you have no idea of the plot. The opening gives the audience a insight into the films plot and basic charatcer personalities.
8. The whole idea for the animated opening it a symbol for the film. As in the storyline the main character hides from the detective and manages to ivade him many times, so by animating the opening sequence it is almost hiding the main character from the audience. It puts particular influence on the relation ship between the detective and the main character this shows a deeper meaning that simply 'cop chasing criminal' there is a hidden plot that just enhances the original plot.
9. The overall direction for the film is froward! By making the opening sequence almost like an animated short on its own it compells the audiece to contiue watching to discover the different twists and turns in the story line. Also there is no dialogue adding to the almost tension built up by the animation. This onece again sparks the audiences curiosity to find out more and watch.
10. I think the meaning of this film has been recieved though a preferred reading, as the opening sequence is meant to be understood. The makers of the film deliberately done this as the film becomes more complex as it progresses. By adding the initial understanding of the plot, this safe guards the audiece's perception for the continuation of the film. This is a 'bombproof' way of opening a film as the audiece isnt thrown in at the deep end but more like given an idea to make it grow and develop thoughout the film and as it progresses they add on links between charatcers and events building a mental image.