The Lion King Opening Scene

It is difficuly to fully understand the genre of the film judged on the opening scene alone. However, it is most likely to be an Adventure film well suited to children. The sign of it being an adventure film is primarily shown by the newborn lion being held aloft by the aged chimp at the end of the sequence. The respectful and jubilant reaction of the ammassed animals instantly shows the viewer that the baby lion is very important - and he/she will be the main protagonist in the movie.

From the opening sequence viewers can derive that it is a childrens film. Firstly, the bright and colourful landscape, full of life, is directed at children as many children have a fondness for animals. In addition to this perfect harmony is present between the wildlife - none are seen attacking each other. This has been purposefully done to suit younger viewers who would not like to see violence and much prefer the fictional harmony.

Sound plays a huge part within this opening sequence - it is the main contributor the suspense and atmosphere created. Based loosely around traditional African music, the piece was written specifically for the film and, consequently, relates directly to the scene. The composition is called 'The Circle Of Life', well suited, as the whole opening scene is ultimately about the birth of new life.

The music's tempo increases suitingly to the scenes shown - it begings very slowly, picking up pace slightly as the animals begin to come out. As Pride Rock comes into view the music becomes more powerful, building a sense of importance with the location. It then quitens down as the newborn Simba is shown being marked by the chimp, creating a sense of importance. The leading panpipes help create the sense of relaxation. The music then reaches its expressive high as Simba is thrust into the air, and the animals bow their heads in respect. The increase in volume suggests power behind the newborn lion, furthering the viewers expectations of him. This is the most important moment in the opening sequence.

Few characters are shown in the opening scene, and as there is no dialogue it is hard to make a judgement on any of them. The first main character shown is Zazu the bird, and he is immediately shown to be in a lower standing position than the large lion stood atop the rock, who is shown to be a powerful animal who would be respected. This is illustated by his powerful pose, and Zazu's submissive bow to him. This attracts the viewers interest as they wish to know why he is being bowed to. Next, the aged chimp appears. The crowd parts for him in a respectful way, suggesting he is a very knowledgable beast who is known by all. He then performs some sort of ritual on the newborn lion. This, similarly to before, gains viewers interest by making them want to know who he is, and why he has performed a ritual on the newborn. Fianlly, Simba is introduced as an innocent newborn who is content just to be with his mother. However, he is presented before a whole gathering of animals which instantly makes him seem important, but it not revealed why. This creates a hook to keep viewers interested as the scene ends.

The atmosphere created by the opening scene is one of mystery. At first the viewer wonders why the animals are all moving purposefully towards the same location, then when that location is revealed they want to know what is atop the rock. Even after this there are more questions to be answered - who exactly is the chimp and why does he perform the ritual before holding the newborn lion up to the sky. All of these work as hooks and keep the viewer constantly interested and give a sense of mystery. The music plays an important part in creating this sense of mystery - the music rises or falls every time a new question is asked. For example, when Simba is held aloft the music becomes more powerful and dramatic, whereas when the newborn is being 'initiated' by the chimp the music is more mellow and mysterious.

In addition to this, there are beautiful landscapes to admire and a peaceful atmosphere is created at the beggining as the sun rises and animals awaken. The empty landscape is suddenly full as the animals begin to head towards the same place. However, the journey does not seem rushed and there is a respect between the animals which preserves an element of the peace. This works as a hook, drawing the viewer in and making them wonder where all the animals are going. The music also contributed a lot to this peaceful atmosphere with its traditional African music.