Opening Title Sequence Analysis

26.9.2014

OPENING SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

In class we were asked to look at two opening title sequences and our task was to then analyse it and look out for some key factors which are usually involved in the making of a good title sequence.  These factors include; the genre of the film, some production information, it should establish the setting, there should be a good use of music depending on the mood/tone that they are trying to set, and from time to time there should be some sort of introduction to some of the characters.

The two title sequences that we looked at were The Shining which is a horror/thriller and also Sexy Beast which is more of a crime/drama.

The Shining

Clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgCejsyS0t8

Genre:

• We establish that the film is a horror/thriller through the use of music and setting which both have factors that would indicate that the genre of this film will be horror.

Music:

• The music in this sequence is very prominent, it has a very heavy bass, and there are moments when it sounds like someone is whaling, which gives the beginning a very eerie sense to it.
• The music contrasts to the scenery, it is very dark and sinister whereas there is actually a very picturesque scenery in the background.
• the music changes the watchers perception of the surrounding, without the music the sequence would be nowhere as near 
• The music foreshadows that something bad is to come later on in the movie because during this sequence nothing really is happening.

Setting:

• We establish that they are in a very rural setting somewhere in the mountains of Oregon or Montana, two locations where the movie was filmed.
• There is very much a sense of isolation, we follow the one yellow car on its journey to the hotel. As we, the audience do this, we pass through many different surrounding with jump cuts to show that time is passing and therefore that they are getting more and more isolated the further they go.

Production Information:

• The production information within this sequence, personally I don't find to be very professional looking.
• The blue writing that goes up the screen it a bit too much, they have over done it with the colour, i think that using a black would have been just as effective and much more professional looking.