Opening Sequences and Characters - 'Deadpool'

In this blog post, I am going to be analysing how Deadpool’s character is introduced to the audience in the opening sequence of 'Deadpool', and the ways his traits are revealed.

We are first introduced to Deadpool as he bops to a song on a high ledge whilst drawing a cartoon image. 

This instantly suggests to the audience that he is a confident individual who isn’t scared of life-threatening situations; he is presented as cocky and arrogant, and as a character who doesn't take himself too seriously and as someone who breaks rules. Instantly, he is represented as the antithesis of a typically heroic and morally good superhero protagonist. 

Deadpool adds a sense of humour to the scene as he talks directly to the audience about how he got his own film, showing that he’s a comedic character. This also shows the audience how brave he is as he’s willing to make jokes and have a regular conversation whilst sitting very high up on a highway. Deadpool casually jumps from the high ledge without hesitation as soon as he spots the enemies. This fearless behaviour presents his character as someone who thrives into chaotic situations and enjoys danger. Deadpool handles the entire fight with ease as he takes the enemies down one by one, this is reinforced by his casual comment “Did I leave the stove on” just before the car crashes. This illustrates to the audience how unconcerned he is by the fight and how used to saving the day he is. 

Key visual clues within the mise-en-scene that allow the audience to understand what Deadpool does is his costume and weapons as the audience can assume he is a superhero that goes about his day saving lives and defeating enemies. Therefore from this opening scene the audience are aware of Deadpool’s character and know what to expect from him in the rest of the film.