Boogie Nights Opening Scene

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpV4dDBkSDQ

How does the narrative engage the audience?

The first way that Boogie Nights engages the audience is through camera angles. There are a vast variety of camera angles used; this is due to the fact that the whole first scene is a continuous long take (which is quite unusual in films) and as a result, would grasp your attention. 

Also, symbolic symbols are quite important in the scene. It starts off initially with a medium shot of the nightclubs sign, 'Boogie Nights' which is brightly coloured in bubble writing. This symbolises the fact that the film is set in the 70's. Also, whilst there is a long shot showing the location, we see a lit up sign on another building showing a vinyl record and some older cars driving down the road; which helps us to determine the era.

It is structured so there are many long shots at the beginning; which again is to help the audience to engage the area and what the film is about. The long shots ease into more intimate shots as a car pulls up outside the nightclub, which engages the audience as it is the first time that we meet any of the characters.

How are women represented in the opening scene of Boogie Nights?

Woman are represented in different ways in this scene. Generally, the women are very feminine, but are objectified and treated as if they were a mans possession and not an equal partner. They did not have any power in terms of business; this is shown as the nightclub owner speaks to another man about their businesses and completely dismisses all women of this conversation. However, the woman that we see walking into the club with her husband at the start does have a sense of power; but this is perhaps just a reflection of her husbands power and authority. The assumption that the audience makes about women is that they are constantly dolled up and ready for a party; compared to the men who have a more serious tone about them.