Boardwalk Empire forms one of HBO’s stable of long-form drama series. Although it is not, therefore, a film opening, the way it conveys the central character and the theme of a man who is ‘emperor of the boardwalk’ have the same characteristics of a film opening.
I chose to analyse this opening sequence because of its dramatic qualities and the power of its visual style: I intend to make a thriller-like film opening myself with my production team and I wanted to learn from the work of Imaginary Forces, the company who devised this opening.
When I researched the background to the series and to the creation of the opening title, I learned that the visual codes of the opening represent a metaphor, that of a pivotal moment in post-World War 1 American history when the era of Prohibition in Atlantic City provides an opportunity for the protagonist Nucky Thompson to ‘rule the boardwalk’. As he gazes out over the turbulent waves, bottles of whiskey wash up at his feet. This represents his realisation that he can make money out of Prohibition. The few minutes of the opening quickly convey that his character can rise above the storms of the times: he is depicted as composed and self-assured.
Throughout the title sequence for Boardwalk Empire, there are clear visual and audio codes with connotations of the theme. Firstly, the scenery helps the audience understand the setting and mood. The title sequence opens with a mysterious figure overlooking the sea, which sets the scene in Atlantic City, a thriving city by the seaside. The sea is used to reveal titles in the soaking sand as the tide rolls in and out. The sea is a focal point throughout the title sequence, depicting many ideas about the main character. An example of this is as the opening sequence develops, we see more of the immaculately dressed, Nucky Thompson. Whilst this is happening, the sea becomes evermore violent, shown through the strong waves crashing against the rocks and the clouds forming in the sky to create a thunderstorm. This reflects how the protagonist can weather the storms, for Thompson as a character appears to be strong and powerful.
Equally, this title sequence creates a mysterious tone. This is done through the series of unexplainable events shown, such as the many bottles appearing in the sea and Thompson’s shoes being unaffected by the water as they remain dry. These can be seen as a metaphors to represent key aspects of the theme. The many bottles can be seen like an armada of messages from the many drunken castaways, implying this city is in need of a bold character like Thompson to help. Furthermore, although the sea is presented as aggressive and relentless, the tide is unable to affect Thompson’s shoes. This helps the audience to realise the significance of Thompson as a character in the show.
Finally, the constant use of relevant mise-en-scène helps the audience understand the genre and time the series is set in. An example of this is Thompson’s outfit: a typical detective from the 1920s. Not only is there an effective stereotype used here, but we see Thompson pull out, and smoke, a cigarette from a delicate gold box. This highlights how stressful his job would have been during this period. Furthermore, this is emphasised as we see a close-up of Thompson’s face, revealing bags and wrinkles.
The whole opening seems effortlessly stylish and atmospheric, engaging the audience by both suggesting the central themes and reserving enigma.
