Homework 7 (DYM)- Opening Sequence Sound Analysis

I looked at the three categories of sound- background music, dialogue and sound effects- in the opening sequence for the animated film Kung Fu Panda.

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/kung-fu-panda/

Music

• The first section of the opening sequence features an ethnic backing track, with instruments that are associated with the Oriental culture, such as a gong. This gives the audience an immediate sense of setting through cultural codes.
• The latter half of the sequence is fitted to a strong, orchestral piece which is played in a major key. Therefore, the whole sequence is very upbeat and fast-paced (and therefore exciting), and thus the genre of a children's film is established. 
• There are pauses in the orchestral music in order to accentuate the visuals or another aspect of the sound.

Dialogue

• "Legend tells of a legendary warrior"- bad play on words in the first line of the voice-over establishes the comical elements of the film plot.
• "There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness."- another funny punch line from the protagonist, Po, helps to establish character in the opening sequence. 
• "We should hang out." "Agreed"- unlikely punch line in a film based on martial arts, but again reinforces the comedy genre. Furthermore, this is slap-stick comedy, and as it is easy to understand, this also further appeals to the target audience of children.

Sound Effects

• The fast movement in the action sequences are accentuated by short whooshes, which suggest Po is moving at an incredible speed. 
• There is a sound effect of teeth chattering when Po enters the room, which connotes fear.
• The sound effect added when Po swallows is accentuated by a pause in the music and an introduction through the voice-over. This heightens the significance of the moment.

Sound and Vision Editing

• Po says "Enough talk- let's fight!" This is his first line in the sequence and immediately after that, there is a big change in visuals, with very sudden, staccato movements and a drastic change in on-screen colours and lighting.
• The characters martial arts moves are synchronised with sound effects, which is typical of films of both the action genre and the martial arts sub-genre, as it helps to further accentuate their movements and therefore to establish character.
• Right at the end, before Po wakes up from his dream, the whoosh sound effects along with the pauses in the backing track put emphasis on both the dialogue and the quick pans from one character to another. This camera movement is different to the rest of the sequence, and so putting emphasis on this section informs the audience that something is about to change.