The purpose of the opening scene is not only to engage the viewer and to encourage further viewing but also to introduce a variety of concepts which pertain to the film as a whole. The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, not only introduces the characters but also establishes that the film is . These concepts are portrayed through a variety of film techniques.
Straight away the audience is positioned to believe that this film will be a traditional “war or action” film. Therefore the purpose is to introduce the subject of the film. The captain speaking giving orders for when the troops land and telling them 'I'll see you on the beach' as his last words provides reassurance for the troops in the wake of what is too come. It also gives the audience reassurance for a short moment before the boats land.
However, the audiences view is changed when the camera shot changes to close ups of the different soldiers waiting for the boat to land. The worried facial expressions of the soldiers erases the first thoughts of the audience as fear is put back in to the soldiers. The sound effects of the shells bombing the beach adds to the fear factor positioning the audience to see the troops in a more dangerous environment adding to the fear that the audience is.
The sound of a whistle followed by cheering and the camera showing the wheel handle turning signals to the viewer that the boat has landed and the troops are getting ready to run onto the beach. Following that, the quick change of camera shots make the pace of the film change from slow paced building up the tension to fast paced full of action. As soon as the bridge of the boat drops, the soldiers at the front of the boat are shot down in quick succession.
In addition, the view form the enemy machine guns creates a contrast in the view that the audience is given being based with the American troops. It also provides a sense of worry towards the American