Compering and Contacting Title Sequences

1. How does the music style suggest what genre the show is?

The music from the opening of the Avengers is an upbeat tune which reflects the time on 1960 being the year of fun and experimental music (Beatles etc.). it also suggests a crime drama by the slow yet enticing beat that can be heard while 'sexy' pictures of Diana Riggs can be shown thus attracting the mass male audience. 

2. What does the typography of the graphics suggest about the show's era?

The typography graphics are big bold letters which makes them stand out to the audience. The bold letters reflect on the bold atmosphere in 1960s. However the graphics aren't too clear and thats due to the lack of technology in that era.

3. Explain how Patrick Macnee's character is represented via costume, props and facial expression.

Patrick Macnee is represented as very smart and well dressed. The connotations of suits shows importance and dominance. Probably in the upper class.

4. How is the flower prop used to link the two characters together?

The flower is known as a feminine object and we first see Patrick holding the flower and then see Diana holding the flower. This may represent shivalry behaviour of Patrick and that was more around in that time era then now.

5. Explain how Diana Rigg's character is represented via costume, props and facial expression.

Diana Rigg is wearing a leather shiny catsuit and looks very sophisticated. In the 1960's women were seen as very feminine and girly, but Diana wearing the catsuit and showing off her 'sexy' body really changed girls views and made them stand out and be themselves.

6. What does the term 'teleplay' mean or what is the modern terminology? Why do you think The Avengers is called this?

The term, 'Teleplay' is a script used within the making of a T.V show for example and is mostly seen in stand alone production.

7. How is editing linked to the music?

The music is in time with whats happening and really suits the theme as the video is in black and white so the music allows us to understand the characters and their costumes and body language.

8. How are the use of props and body language used to present the characters towards the end and what are the audience expectations of the show as a result?

Towards the end of the opening, we see Peel and Steed start to use props as weapons as we see Steed use an umbrella in a violent way (as gun and to hit someone/something like its a bat). from this, we may get the impression that the show will be violent and physical.

Extension: Compare this opening sequence with the one below by picking out the similarities and differences and explaining what they suggest about how television technology has developed and how audience expectations have changed

The Avengers opening scene and The cuffs opening scenes are different and similar. The Avengers is in black and white where as Cuffs is in colour, However the music is quite similar as they are both quite fast paced and fit well but Cuffs is from rock where as The Avengers more fit that time period. The editing was quite fast pace in both, even though the Avengers only has two characters to show and Cuffs has multiple.