A title sequence is the first thing we see when we watch a film, this creates the atmosphere for the rest of the film, so by analysing the features necessary for this, we can make sure we creates the most effective and intense opening for our thriller.
What are in the opening sequences?
Most thriller openings include an anchorage, telling the viewer the film's name, actor's, production company, etc. This creates an expectation, as if the viewer knows an actor, they will know what type of character they play and how they act these characters. The shots used during the opening sequence normally set the scene or drop hints about the film. By using these hints, enigma's are created.
Why use a title sequence?
A title sequence can make or break a film, a successful title scene sets the standard for the film. If you have an inquistive opening, the audience becomes engaged with the enigma's left by the sequence. A poor opening sequence and the audience spend more time thinking about the quality or relevance of the credits, instead of watching the film.
What makes a good title sequence?
There are not necessarily any requirements or guaraneteed features that will make a title sequence engaging or exciting. You would have to understand all the shots and relevance to the film and its plot, otherwise its not always going to be a success. Most openings show little or a few metaphorical meanings, like in Cape Fear (1991), the eagle represents the character and in Sherlock Holmes (2009) the dirty water and dark lighting represents the dirty work the character gets involved with and the 'dark magic' the plot centres around.
Another example of a metaphorical uses in a title sequence is Vertigo (1958), the film is about fear, and the shots used and editing helps develop that fear. The shot of the eye evokes fear and emotion, and as the the music intensifies so does the animations. This represents the imgaes within the mind.
Tom Smith
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