Transition + Length of Takes

The film spends most of its time experimenting with techniques in regards to structure, graphics and chronology, all of which are present in the opening sequence. The transitions/length of takes effectively create the structure to the opening sequence in this film. The main components of this film technique are parallel action and cross-cutting. These components successfully shape the viewer's emotional response as well as creating a link to other parts of the film through subtle repetition.


As the opening credits roll there is a cutting between the two events of protagonists; Tom and Summer growing up, this is known as parallel action. For the majority of the credits the screen is split so that the viewer can see both events take place. For example the shot where Summer is on a swing at the playground while Tom is jumping off a plank of wood. This parallel action creates the effect of two completely separate events being bought together in a unique kind of way. This particular example also illustrates the major theme present in the opening of this film, new beginnings. Instances such as the playground scene as well as Tom learning to play soccer while Summer is learning to ride a horse show Summer and Tom growing up, and beginning their lives. This creative way of bringing two separate events together through parallel action is continued throughout the film as shown  by the screenshot. This screenshot shows Tom's and the viewer's expectations on the left and reality on the right. While this offers some comic relief it also conveys the director's constant purpose of changing the viewer's expectations.


However in parts of the opening sequence, there is a focus on one event. This is known as cross-cutting. When one half of the screen shows a video of Summer or Tom, then switches to credits and vice-versa, cross-cutting is illustrated. For example the camera focuses on Tom's eye on the right of the screen, with credits on the left, then cross-cuts to focus on Summer's eye on the left, with credits on the right. This technique is effective because the viewer is given the opportunity to focus on one character and form their own opinion of them. For example Summer's large blue eye suggests she has a large heart, open for loving, yet she is the complete opposite. Again the director tricks the viewer into having misleading expectations. The cross-cutting of Summer blowing a dandelion towards Tom's frame then cross-cutting to Tom blowing bubbles into Summer's frame also uniquely binds the two lives together due to the similarity in content, and the charming connection made. This example creates an enchanting atmosphere and shapes the viewer's emotional response into adoring the two children. This same emotional response of adoring the couple, is continually created throughout the film for instance in the furniture shop scene. 


Parallel action, a major component of the film technique; transitions/length of takes, is very effective in misleading the viewer to have the wrong expectations, which is the director's purpose, as well as making links to other parts of the film and conveying the dominant theme of new beginnings. For example, the shot of Summer feeding ducks for the first time while Tom is riding a train for the first time shows the two having new experiences, which is a result of new beginnings. The shot of Tom playing guitar demonstrates the other major component, cross-cutting. This instance effectively misleads the viewer into expecting great things are going to happen to him, and shapes the viewer's emotional response into having hope for further achievements for Tom. Of course this is not what happens and yet again the director places false hope, and false expectations into the viewer's mind. Success!