Maleficent Analysis (timeline analysis)

Maleficent
0:30-2:30
There's a voice over, which starts to set the scene for the story. Maleficent is a retold version of Sleeping Beauty, which is spoken of in the voice over, "let us tell an old story anew" and "and we will see how well you know it.". This casual approach draws in the audience and allows them to recall what the original story was like.
The camera pans forwards to a castle which belongs to the parents of Aura, the camera then moves from the showing the castle to an establishing shot, which shows the Kings land and the magical land in the distance.
0:40
The camera closes in on the river and moves up it, this shows the human village and the surrounding area. The camera moves upwards to show the mountains in the background and moves in closer which tells the audience that that place has some significance.
1:00
At this point the voice over expresses that the humans are jealous of the 'magical world' as they always end up being better off than them. It's portrayed as a peaceful place, where every magical creature can live peacefully.
1:15
The camera changes and focuses on a single tree, this suggests that it holds a meaning and symbolises something. The general meaning of a tree stands for life, sustainability and to provide things. These meanings can be used to symbolise the course the film might take, and what role the trees have within the story. The tree can also stand for the younger version of the main characters innocence and leadership over the place where she lives.
1:23
We are shown a close up of one of the main characters. This starts to allow the audience to understand her position and her history.
1:38
The camera moves outwards, showing an establishing shot. This allows the audience to see the whole area and to easily watch what is happening. It also shows what the surrounding area looks like. The camera then pans to follow the girl, this creates the feeling of being part of the film.
1:44
The camera moves position again to a low shot/ establishing shot, this provides a lot of negative space, which indicates that the single object (tree) and girl have a significance. The tree is also positioned in the middle section of the shot which creates feelings such as comfort and peace.
2:02
The voice over introduces the name of the girl, which gives her more purpose as a character. Knowing her name allows the audience to recognise the name and to compare the similarities between the girl and the original story.
2:10
Maleficent starts to fly and the camera moves backwards, an establishing shot, this is used to show the surrounding area. The camera moves alongside Maleficent, this brings in the interest of the audience and makes you feel like part of the film.
2:14-2:30
Maleficent speaks and begins to introduce other characters/creatures that live in the same place as her, this brings familiarity towards to audience, so when they see those animals next they understand what they are.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaArkjF7AnM