Iron Man

Iron Man opens with an establishing shot of what looks like a desert with cars driving through it. It doesn't give much to the imagination as there is nothing to really think from it. It positions the audience to feel as if something is about to occur.

There is then a long shot of army cars driving through with people on look out with guns. There is also a soundtrack of up-beat music which is stereotypically the main type of music in an action film. The use of the music engages the audience as it makes it more interesting.

The following camera movement shows they are travelling to a certain destination.

There is a medium shot which shows one of the men aiming at something. This shows his body language as if he is about to shoot something, however it also shows the advanced use of technology which they have. There is always expensive technology in action films so its conforming the conventions.

The clothing of the men is army uniform, this suggests they are in war and are about to go into no mans land. It infers that there will be a  violent scene which would involve death and blood. This is effective as it gives more information to the audience about the film and the story.

 The close up shot of alcohol (whisky) shows that getting drunk is a way to deal with the situation they are in. It also gives the audience a perspective of how they must be feeling in war.

The close up shot of Robert Downey Jr, shows him to be wearing sunglasses and a suit. It doesn't match what the soldiers are wearing which makes me think its not a war. Also the soldier wanting a picture with him suggests he is  famous and not just a soldier like the rest of them. It positions the audience to feel something is about to happen.

There is then a medium shot of an explosion. The sound effects are loud and frightening. The shot comes at a surprise to make the viewers jump.

There is then loud shouts and sounds of guns being shot (sound effects). This suggests they have just entered a booby trap and are getting attacked. Its effective as it makes the audience feel suspense and want to carry on watching. There are close up shots of all the characters in this scene as it shows their emotions as they are scared but also confused.

The opening scene ends with a birds eye view of Robert Downey Jr taking of his shirt as he feels something isn't quite right. Its effective as it informs the audience of the changes that is about to happen to him and how the rest of the story will be told.