For this research post, I will be looking at three different elements that I would like to study and implement into the project. These are not from specifically the sci-fi genre but are cool elements that I can take inspiration from when working on this thing. Now, don't get mad at me because two of these things are from video games, and from the Grand Theft Auto series at that. I believe video games can be the greatest medium for telling a story, but that is a topic for another time. Anyways, let's just get into it so you know what I am talking about before I go on a tangent.
Element #1: Establishing Character
Our project will be about a person stuck in a time loop during their therapy session. Our opening scene will be that therapy appointment, and establishing the time loop. I feel that we can make our opening much more than just showing that the time loop exists, though. We can also use the fact that it is a therapy session to develop our main character, exploring how their mind works and what their problems are. When thinking about this, a scene immediately came to mind from the video game Grand Theft Auto V (2013).
The introduction to this game is a prologue, set in the past where a heist at a cash depot goes wrong and only two crew members get out. This is really just a flashback to give context for the drama that ensues throughout the rest of the game. The real introduction, however, is right after the title is revealed and we cut to the present. It is a therapy scene with our protagonist, Michael, that includes the opening credits, but also does something clever; it establishes his character. With this scene, we learn about Michael's son and how he views him. We also learn about how narcissistic and disconnected he is from reality, finding glory in his criminal past. He feels unaccomplished like he is wasting his life away in his big mansion in the California hills. We learn all of this in just under two minutes. That is because the therapy session was a perfect first scene for establishing his character.
Opening credits scene in Grand Theft Auto V.
That timeframe is what really matters since this project has to be exactly two minutes long. We can go five seconds under or fifteen seconds over, but that is the timeframe we are allotted. This opening scene demonstrates how to introduce a character through a therapy session without making it feel too forced. The therapy session within our project will establish our character, and the time loop will also be established both at the start and end of the session, which will be elaborated upon in the first group meeting post next week.
Element #2: Opening Credits
In our project, the opening credits are a vital element to include. Most opening credit sequences just show a text overlay on the side of a scene being played out or in the middle of a section dedicated to them. I find this to be a bit underwhelming, and think they should at least be a bit more interesting and engaging for the audience. There are some fun and unique credit sequences out there, like Napoleon Dynamite (2004), Watchmen (2009), and what we are going to talk about today, Grand Theft Auto IV (2008).
The opening credit sequence for Grand Theft Auto IV is one of the most beloved of the entire series. This is because it is very unique, and the soundtrack along with it just hypes you up for the experience you are about to have. When the credits are shown, they are not just overlaid text but are integrated into the environment. This is accomplished in very creative ways. There are aerial shots where the credits are giant on the ground, medium shots where they are on the walls, and sometimes they are floating in the sky and are obstructed by people/objects that end up in front of them. There is a lot of variety to keep them interesting, which sets them apart from other games and films.
Opening credits for Grand Theft Auto IV.
I want to do something similar to this for our project. I believe something like this will keep it interesting since the therapist's office is such a static location. It does look very complicated to try and accomplish, but I will try to learn how to do it. I introduced the idea to my group and they are on board, so I am going to watch some tutorials to try and achieve a similar effect.
Element #3: Establishing Loop Motifs
Not only do we need to establish character and have an interesting credit sequence, but we have to reveal the plot of the movie and establish the loop. This is typically done in films/shows by incorporating obvious events throughout the day, so when the character loops back in time they are easy to recognize. For this part of the research post, we will be looking at a time loop episode from the television show Supernatural (2005-2020).
In the episode "Mystery Spot" one of the two protagonists, Sam Winchester, relives the same day over and over which always results in his brother Dean's death. The way that the time loop is established within the opening credits, is through obvious motifs that are recognizable throughout each loop. As the episode continues, Sam recognizes them and knows what will happen, sometimes telling Dean before each occurrence showing he is getting used to it. These motifs consist of a golden retriever barking at them, a stranger bumping into them, and some guys trying to move a piano into a building. Also, every time Sam loops the same song plays, signifying that a loop has occurred.
The video below shows off some of the motifs I discussed, and also the song that plays every loop.
In our project, it is vital to establish motifs that are recognizable for every loop. Keeping this episode in mind, they have to be obvious for the audience to pick it up for each loop. We have already brainstormed on how we can implement motifs, and we have had a couple ideas. One is a cuckoo clock that plays near the beginning of the loop. Another could occur midway through the session, where we could have an assistant interrupt to ask the therapist a question or something. These will help establish recognizable motifs throughout the loop, making our project fit this sub-genre better.
Sources:
- ROCKSTAROS. (2023, January 9). Michael’s first therapy session scene - GTA V. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C1QDTWBJ-E
- Reel Watkins. (2024, January 26). Top 10 Greatest Opening Credits in Movies. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF9GlGL9gbM
- EnciclopediaLusa. (2010, November 24). Grand Theft Auto IV (Intro). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2A1HIUr8nI
- SarahLuvJensen. (2009, May 16). Supernatural Mystery Spot (Dean Dies Many Times). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj3To2TUkRo
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