Opening Squences

Different types of opening sequences:

• title-reveal the name of the film
• actors names
• Introduction to a character- reveal who the hero/villain are
• introduce setting/ establish the location.
• reveal elements of the genre/narratives and plot 
• reveal an understanding of the tone/atmosphere of the film
• narrative information

The discrete title sequence-

Is like a mini film before the film and helps to get the audience into the mood of the film but not tell you what the film is about. It can give you an idea of the tone and the genre of the movie. A discrete opening sequence also is often animated and includes a lot of editing work.

example of an opening sequence:

‘the girl with the dragon tattoo’

• dark colour scheme, preponderance of black white and grey- signifies its a dark film
• graphics
• action thriller
• death
• snippets of the narratives being subtly shown 
• some form of romance 
• fire
• black representing the tattoo ink
• keyboard representing detectives and hacking

Traditional opening sequence:

Although traditional film is slightly stylised, you see the title of the film, font introducing the actors that will reflect the genre and the sound will create a mood, that helps to reveal narrative information.

example of an opening sequence:

‘drive’

• follows a character 
• shows you the actor, the credits and location
• title of the film
• reveals genre and narrative of the film

Straight into the film:

A film that goes straight into the story and doesn't have an extra title sequence. This type of sequence is far less commonplace and is more likely to be seen in action or horror. There are no titles, no introduction to characters, and the film starts directly with the action of the opening sequence. Used in horror a lot to scare us.

example of an opening sequence:

‘mesrine’

• sets tone
• introduces characters

Stylised film:

a stylised title sequence is a combination of straight into it and discrete. The opening of the film starts straight into the action and then followed by a ‘discrete’ title sequence. This type of opening is often used in stylish action films.