Introducing Location - 'The Notebook'

The Notebook

This film opens with a beautiful, deep red, sunset and in the distance the audience can see a man in a canoe rowing gently. This opening sequence is very simple but effective. It shows a tranquil setting and a calm sea, which possibly relates to the beauty of love and how amazing it is, which is a central theme of the film. Red is also a colour we associate with love, however it is also associated with pain, which are both emotions presented later on in the narrative.

The next few shots range from different angles of the canoe, all with a slow movement to the camera changes. Over time, the sun sets and the lighting becomes darker, before a flock of white doves fly past. Doves usually represent love, peace, or messengers - this relates to the husband telling his and his wife's love story. The doves then fly to the window where the couple are, which reinforces the messenger aspect of the narrative.