Title Sequence Clip Review

    Before analyzing the opening of film sequences in class, I didn't really pay attention to the different effects used and their impact on the film. My initial impression of the impact of opening scenes was that they weren't that important; I always thought that they were just credits or just a scene that didn't hold much importance. However, my viewpoint changed when I realized that there is a lot you get out of the opening scene of a film such as how it sets up what's expected for the remainder of the film. 

    One of the openings we watched was from the film Saturday Night Fever. In the opening of Saturday Night Fever, the credits and titles are in a flashing red-letter font. Based on this font, the audience is given insight as to the personality of the character. Additionally, there was a ton of camera shots of his red shoes as he walked, and other parts of his classy outfit. Throughout the opening, there is also upbeat dance music in the background. This opening does really well at giving us clues about what the film will consist of and also character traits of what appears to be the main character of the film. Another great opening we viewed was Trainspotting. During the opening of this film, there was fast music in the background, creating a fast pace to the film. Also in the background was the main character voicing over his name and the names of his friends in the film. Both of these techniques create a great opening where the audience gets a sense of what's to come. According to the article (First frames: titles in the digital realm) by Miles Merril, "typography and visual style created in the opening sequence can establish the mood and image system not only for the film you are about to watch, but for the poster, DVD/video packaging, web site, and all promotion and branding graphics." Merril states this perfectly because just like in Trainspotting and Saturday Night Fever, the opening scene establishes a mood for the film you are about to watch. A great example of what this quote means is the opening scene to Scream. During the opening film, there is a sense of fear and concern as the character is in a scary situation. Because of the great opening scene, the audience picks up the feeling of fear and uncertainty of what's to come in the film. The audience gets an anxious feeling and is on the edge of their seat on what's to follow.

    Another great part of the opening scenes of films is that there is the use of foreshadowing. A prime example of this is from the opening scene of the film Jaws. During the opening scene, there is suspenseful and dramatic music used to foreshadow the fate of the girl who gets eaten by the shark. The music carries through after that, setting up the film for drama and more shark attacks. That opening scene has excellent use of foreshadowing which is key to the rest of the film. Additionally, in the film What About Bob, the opening scene is key for characterizing the main character. There is the use of loud city noise and a thin hallway to showcase that the character has some sort of anxiety or other personal issues that causes him to feel claustrophobic or trapped. 

    According to Merril, "an opening title sequence generally engages with the big themes of the film and looks at overarching themes and metaphors of the film." An example of this aspect in opening scenes is the film Pulp Fiction. In the opening scene, there is a couple that appears to be having a normal breakfast, it is soon clear that this isn't your typical meal. The upbeat fun music in the back switches to a different song that is more hip-hop-like which creates a theme of adventure and excitement. One last film with a great opening scene is the film Apocalypse Now. There is an amazing use of techniques to make it clear that the character has some sort of PTSD. This conclusion is based on the way he is faded in the background of the explosions. Without opening scenes we wouldn't gain key knowledge of a common theme and important metaphors. 

    Overall, opening scenes are essential because they provide of sense of theme and expectations for the film. Based on the films we have seen and the different styles used, I don't think I am going to select film for my project because I feel as though my strengths are better for the magazine. I don't feel as though I would be able to create a captivating opening.