Watch: How Spielberg Introduces Memorable Characters
Some of the most memorable scenes in movies are the introduction of characters. Darth Vader, James Bond, Hannibal Lecter, The Joker in The Dark Knight, and Trinity in The Matrix all rank as some of the great introductions in film. All of these are from vastly different directors and the analysis of all can provide some valuable insights into crafting a great character introduction for any budding filmmaker. Arguably the filmmaker who has made consistently the best character introductions, however, is Steven Spielberg. One of the reasons Spielberg’s character introductions are so great is because he can introduce almost any person, creature, or vehicle in a memorable way. Whether it is the shark in Jaws, Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the truck in Duel, Oscar Shindler in Shindler’s List, or an everyman character like Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, these introductions strike the viewer as being completely unique, while being instantly recognizable as directed by Spielberg.
In the video essay below, Adam Tinius determined Spielberg uses either “Action” or “Fraction” to introduce characters. According to Tinius, Spielberg introduces a main character either through the actions of a character, or slowly reveals the character through visual pieces (“Fraction”) which are close ups of the character’s clothes or gestures before revealing the character’s face.
Tinius explains that Spielberg’s character introductions are strongest when he uses both “Action” and “Fraction” together. The introduction of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark is a fine example. We first see him from the back and then through a series of close-ups, Spielberg combines action with fraction in quick succession before revealing Indy’s face.
We are shown close-ups of Indy approaching a stone mask, then his hand picking up a poison dart as he calmly appraises the situation. This tells us a lot about his character. We get he is an adventurer without him ever saying a word, and his calmness works especially well in contrast to the fear and panic on his assistants’ faces. This is followed by a closeup of Indy’s hands holding pieces of a tattered, old map and then a close-up of his trademark whip as he uses it to disarm a traitor. This sudden bit of action builds to the climactic moment when Spielberg reveals Indy’s face under the iconic fedora as he steps out of a shadow into the light. It’s a great reveal. Three minutes and 15 seconds have passed without a word being said, but we know more about Indy than any exposition could give us. We’re hooked and ready to settle down for the rest of the adventure.
