Film Language Tag: setup
The time taken in a story to establish a character, situation, or motivation. The first act sets up the action that follows in the second act, while the second act sets up the climax in the third act. Certain comic bits require set-up well in advance of the comedic payoff (the punch line) that comes later.
Em Explains the History of the Haywood Family Business, Nope
Emerald Haywood and Otis "OJ" Haywood Jr. introduce their family business on a film set, while explaining the needs and restrictions of the horse who will be in the scene. When the horse is spooked by a mirror, the wranglers are fired and the live horse is replaced by CGI.
Opening Sequence, In the Heights
Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) introduces el barrio.
Opening Sequence, The Joy Luck Club
June (Ming-Na Wen) recounts an allegory following a woman immigrating from China to the US. She brings a swan with her, intending to gift it to her future American daughter. However, an immigration officer confiscates the swan, and the mother is left with a feather.
Opening Sequence, The Red Ball Express
The narrator opens the film with a description of the state of the war in France during WW2.
