Little Miss Sunshine Film Opening Analysis

Little Miss Sunshine

Director: Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris

Year: 2006

Production Co: Big Beach Films 

Budget: $8 million

Box Office: $59 million 

Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 American come-drama road film and the directorial debut of the husband-wife team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The screenplay was written by first-time writer Michael Arndt. The film stars Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin and Alan Arkin.

Opening Shots

The first shot that we see is a central composition shot, where we can see a young girl. Immediately, from the mis-en-scene of the shot, especially from the characters attire (e.g. glasses) the representation of a 'nerd' is made to the audience. She switches on the TV.

This next shot is an extreme close up, where we see a reflection of what the young girl is watching (the shot below of the TV). From context knowledge, i know that a focused theme in this film is 'Dreams' and following them; the close up with this specific reflection gives the impression that the girl through the lens of her glasses is looking at what she wishes to become.

This middle shot, uses the contrasts to present the idea that the young girls dream is far from being achieved. Her age, attire and basic mis-en-scene (what looks like a living room) is a large contrast to the glamorous women that she can see on the TV. The idea that the TV is an artificial picture also develops this idea.
The woman on the TV is continued to be represented as a role model in two shots that shot the young girl imitating the women.

Sounds 

There is also sounds used throughout this film opening; a piano melody is being played. The mellow sound of the piano, links in with the idea of a dreamy idea in the young girls head. The piano is also played sharply which gives an excited atmosphere. 

We can then hear a TV presenter announcing the winner of a beauty pageant - that we can see on the screen.