Saturday 14 January 2012

4 main types of title sequences

There are many ways to start a film, the title of a film can make or break it. The opening can either give away too much information or not enough for the audience to be interested. There are four main types of film title sequences... Discrete, narrative, credits over screen and heavy stylised editing.

Discrete


Se7en is an example of a discrete opening to a thriller film. The opening is made to look as if it is a prelim to the film itself, we are able to see the psychedelic nature of the main character before the film has even started. Although you are not properly introduced to the main character as of yet. The effects used in the title sequence are creative and blend into the opening itself. Many critics consider the title sequence of Se7en to be the start of the film. The sequence uses heavy stylised effects.

Another thing I liked about the title sequence to Se7en was the soundtrack used, at first it was slightly electronic with drones, and close to the end whilst the character is cutting out the word 'GOD' we hear 'You bring me closer to god~'. If the audience hadn't guessed there was something wrong with the character yet, they surely will after that line.

Narrative

The Shining has a narrative title sequence. We can tell from the opening that the people in the car are clearly driving in the wrong direction, the camera stalks them like prey. The credits scroll through the sequence midway through in a fluorescent blue, indicating danger.

Credits over screen


At first we only see credits writen in white across a black screen, with erie music. The a panned establishing shot, which follows to a main laying on the floor. In my opinion this type of opening adds suspense, however it's quite boring and I ended up loosing interest in the film before the opening had even ended.

Heavy stylised editing


The taking of Pelham 123, is a heavy stylised opening, the effects make it more interesting, which holds the attention of the audience.

Our group have decided that we would like to do a discrete opening similar to se7en, we thought that it was the most interesting style of the 4.

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