Captain Fantastic Opening Analysis
The first thing seen in the opening of the film is a quaint woodland area with very light atmosphere, with two establishing shots that linger on to show the setting. A deer is then introduced, and for the next few shots it's in the centre of the frame, which aligns the audience with the animal but this allegiance is quickly revoked. A variety of different shot types are used to enforce this alignment, mostly the close up right before a sound is heard by the deer, in which the shot quickly cuts to an unknown figure hiding in the bushes. We're then given a POV type shot from the perspective of this mysterious person watching the animal, which provides an almost looming sense of tension which further pushes the idea that the audience is supposed to feel a strong sense of alignment with the deer. More shots of the animal are shown, in which it's just going about its business, until the figure is now present in the frame with the deer. The figure, who is now clearly seen as a yo...