In the opening scene of "The Pink Panther" there is no change of shot angles and size only camera movement. I think this is because the entire opening scene is very simple and because it is a cartoon does not require the use of different angles.
At the very beginning of the scene the camera zooms into and through the pink jewel, a.k.a the pink panther, the shot shows the allusion and personalisation of the jewel to the pink panther. This is shown by the way that the camera zooms into the flaw in the centre of the gem, it has been said to look like a leaping panther, therefore resulting in the name.
This links into the film as a whole because the jewel that Inspector Clouseau is searching for is often referred to as the 'pink panther' and if not for the opeing the viewer could get confusing as to if they are looking for a jewel or a panther.
Blackout is used once at the beginning after the jewel and panther are shown and at the very end and both occur the same way, the pink panther snaps his fingers. This is called repetition. The way that they have used blackout makes it appear that the panther is incharge, or that he controls what happens. Also, the snapping of the fingers symbolises the beginning and the end of the opening.
The camera then tracks a sheet of music as it travels through the air, this suggests that we are a part of the music as we follow its journey from the music stand to the inspector where he gets tangled up in the music. This movement of the camera is effective because it includes the viewer and makes it seem as one with the viewer. Also the camera follows the pink panther as he walks from one door to another in the inspectors suit showing the viewer that he can do what he wants and get away with it, and also tells the audience that he wants us included as he escapes the inspector every time, to create a feeling that we are helping the panther to elude the inspector's waiting hands.
These camera movements appeal to the target audience because it includes them in the film, makes them feel like they are in the screen with the characters rather than watching a movie from their couch. The fog and torch hint at themes of being hidden or obscured (fog) and finding or searching for something that has been lost or taken (torch/magnifying glass).
Great description of some examples and the technique. You have also explained some reasons why the director has chosen to use these techniques in this way. Now try to think even deeper: you have identified where the camera techniques place the viewer but think about why-- how does this appeal to the target audience for this film? Are there any other important symbols that are highlighted by the camera techniques? How do these techniques hint at ideas/ themes that the director is presenting in this film?
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