Although the obvious genre for The Runaways movie would be Biopic, as it follows the creation and break up of the band The Runways, many elements align with Coming of Age as the band members started so young.
In Cherie Currie's introduction, information about her, her relationship with her sister, and their relationship with their mother are naturally presented through short dialogue. It is apparent that they are trying to act older than they are to fit in. In contrast, Joan Jett is introduced at a clothing store. This also uses simple dialogue to establish character, for instance the exchange "You're looking in the wrong section/ I want what he's wearing" introduces Jett's style and attitude.
Overall, what I liked about this opening is how it introduces two different/parallel stories that will eventually converge. What stood out to me in establishing character and tone was costume design, dialogue, and sound. Suzi Quatro's "The Wild One" plays during the title card as Jett runs down the street with her new leather jacket and Currie prepares for her Bowie performance, the music matching the tone.
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Although she doesn't talk in the first "part" of the opening, the set design and audio speaks for itself. Through books, pictures, and trophies it is very clear that Molly is a feminist, likes leadership, and feels a superiority over her classmates. Next we are introduced to the core of the film, the friendship between her and Amy. They seem to have found each other through a similar quirky nerdy style and are extremely close.
A detail that already communicates Molly's underlying want for acceptance, even though she tries to play off like she doesn't care about her classmates' opinions, is how words of affirmation are used throughout the opening. First of course the recording Molly listens to (seemingly every morning) is all about being "better than everyone else", then with Amy as they shout compliments to each other. Not only does this present their strong friendship, but implies they are so loud and proud about each other because no one else likes them. Their isolation from the rest of their class is presented through medium shots on them walking down the chaotic hallway, their uptight/discomfort contrasting the carefree environment.
Just from these first couple minutes of the film, comedy genre conventions are utilized such as bright colors, stereotypical characters, and upbeat music that sets the tone.
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This opening establishes two characters, a father and daughter part of the film's ensemble cast centered around a family. However, the focus on these two characters is intentional as their mindsets/goals play important parts and clash throughout the film. Olive is introduced watching and imitating her favorite interest, beauty pageants. The pristine put together appearance of the contestants contrast the little girl, wearing thick glasses, a headband, and bright clothing. This portrayal is endearing and communicates her passion that kicks off the plot. On the other hand there is the father, Richard, also participating in his passion: his book on success. However, at the end of his sequence it's revealed there are barely any people in the crowd, expectation versus reality.
A common theme among these openings is that they all focus on introducing two characters and some aspect to them that is important to the plot and tone of the film. Honestly, I did not pick these three examples for this on purpose, but in hindsight I think that is a big reason why I like them. Two people are not overwhelming, allowing for simple parallels and juxtaposition, meanwhile it is unrealistic to meet an entire cast and expect to remember each member immediately. My take away is to try to keep character introductions clear and to the point, allowing other factors like costume design and music to add on to the audience's understanding of the character.
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