Opening Sequences

 What is the purpose of opening sequences?

• Opening sequences establish the tone and atmosphere of the film, setting the mood for the next two hours, whether it's suspenseful, comedic, romantic or action packed. It introduces the world and setting portrayed throughout the movie by giving the audience a glimpse into the time period, location and environment of the story. Presenting key characters, we can see their personalities early through characteristics and motives. They are known for engaging audiences early, the strongest opening sequences grabs attention and assures viewers will be invested from the beginning. The cinematography, colour scheme, and editing style in the opening sequence can signal the artistic approach being used . Lastly filmmakers have the ability to foreshadow events and themes that will be continued, subtle hints in can suggest later plot twists or conflicts.

What is the difference between opening credits and a title sequence?

• A title sequence is an elaborate sequence of visuals and sound, usually including an opening theme song. It should be engaging while introducing the theme or show and includes the title card, key cast and crew names. They're designed to establish the visual style and set the tone of the film. 
• On the other hand opening credits are typically text edited over the opening scenes, often brief and functional, serving to acknowledge those involved in production. Therefore they include the names of the cast, crew, producers, studios, etc. Choosing to use diegetic or non-diegetic sound, voiceovers, animations,  and many different creative formats. 

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

- 2D style graphics in 3D environments which can set a tone for the movie genre, it grasps audiences attentions as it is very interesting to look at, as used in Casino Royale

- Freeze framing paired with layers of illustration with ink bleeding effects, can be used in reference of vintage newspapers. Showing attention to detail and giving context of potential timeframe being chosen

- Fast editing combined with a movie poster-inspired typography can create the feeling of a 'car-crash'. It may not be something enjoyable to look at, yet you cannot look away. Its creative and certainly takes hold of the viewers attentions. My example is Enter The Void

-  Hand-rendered type, glitchy effects and live action close-ups all take place at enhancing a story. Close ups can add context, or insight to what a character is thinking/doing. Glitchy effects can help with the aspect of keeping things unpredictable, best made use in Se7en's opening sequence

Modern Thriller:

Device 6 (2013) a thrilling video game written by Simon Flesser of Simogo Studios, has an interesting title sequence

https://youtu.be/eyeTREeNSXc?si=-uOM9PvkQ6f3aaI0

Uses creative typography and layout, presenting the text in a dynamic and visually engaging way. The text follows an unusual path through the animations becoming a part of the narrative, drawing characters into the story. The design of the title sequence sets the tone for the entire game. It feels like a puzzle, with minimalistic but intriguing visuals that suggest mystery. The way the text twists and turns on the screen encourages players to think about how they’ll engage with the content.

Comparing Thrillers:

Skyfall

A James Bond film that came out in 2012, with an opening sequence that includes many features alluding to death and illusions

Beginning with what seems like a very normal panning shot of the main character falling deep into water which links with the movies name 'skyfall'. This very quickly changes as a giant hand appears and seems to be pulling him further and further down in to the ocean. This is the first example of CGI in this opening sequence, which is a clear indication that it is a newer movie. The daggers falling downwards and turning into headstones foreshadow deaths to come in this film and solidifies that this will be thrilling and suspenseful. Bloog, guns and the target on a mans heart also follow through w the theme of death to come. A Chinese cultural symbol of a dragon is included which has the potential to relate to the idea of the characters ending up in that country at some point. As the backing track, we have 'Skyfall' by Adele, made specifically for this film. The long notes and emphasis on the word 'sky fall', in this song, keeps the audience interested as they subconsciously wants to see just how action-packed the film can get  

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Strangers on a Train

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1952, this opening sequence is attention grabbing due to its mysterious element

The typography is all in the beginning, covering an almost still scene of parked cars and people walking behind it. After those credits have finished, the use of a close up camera angle at a low height takes place throughout the entire opening. Only being able to see peoples legs and below, the bottom half of cars, and a train track perspective, leaves out information and draws people to wonder what the full picture it is. Simultaneously, because they are close up shots, we can easily pick out details that will foreshadow what's to come, e.g. suitcases, different shoes of what must be the main characters. Lastly the non-digetic music playing sounds happy yet suspenseful, the viewers know that nothing too serious is happening yet, however it flows quickly alongside the plot

https://youtu.be/7bjA-4no1ZY?si=_8lGO9vOMEg8dh7o