Opening Sequence Research

Opening Title Sequence 

A title sequence is the method by which films or television programmes present their title, key productions, cast members and its use of visuals and sound.  Opening title sequences are very important, as they are the first thing the viewers are going to see, therefore it has to be able to instantly attract a person and make them want to stay and watch the rest of the film. If an opening film title sequence isn’t attracting or appealing enough, it won’t grab the viewer’s attention, thus making them not want to watch the film.

Film Opening Analysis 

It is very important to different film genres to reflect that same genre in the opening of the film, in order to immediately attract a fan of that genre. For example horror film, 'Scream', is very good at building that tension which is needed in order for the impact to be even more effective. The film starts off with a very slow story line, with a girl answering the phone then proceeding to talking to a stranger who appears to have gotten the wrong number. No music is used during this part, which makes the scene more eerie as silence can often be threatening. However, soon enough the mood changes and suddenly threatening music is used in order to reflect the feeling of the character, as well as the viewers.

 

 However this is not always the case. For example with comedy films, the same feel or upbeat disposition is often used throughout the entire film in order to keep the viewers feeling interested and lively. With the movie 'Easy A' for example, the main character's narration is used in a non diegetic form, and whilst the monologue is being said, a comedy aspect is still brought through by the jokes that the narrator is saying. Also how we are firstl introduced to the character, she is seen being knocked over by a group of 'popular girls', falling to the ground alongside all her papers which are all scattered around her in a humorous way. This light hearted disposition is current throughout the whole film. Therefore this tells us that how the film opens tends to depend on the genre itself.