Title Sequence Analysis
What is it?
A title sequence is the way in which a film introduces the title and key people involved in the movie. It can be done in a variety of different ways, however visuals and sound are often used to convey the overall tone and genre of the film. This makes it become more than just words on a screen, as it can be a useful tool to tell the audience more about the story. The audience would expect to see the film title, appropriate music, the names of cast members, and a clarification of genre.
Different types
There are four main ways of producing a title sequence. One way would be to do a discrete title sequence, and is often referred to as a 'mini film'. It is almost like a separate clip before the film starts (with a separate narrative to the rest of the film), however it heavily focuses on setting the tone and genre in a way that does not reveal much about the actual story line itself. Se7en is a prime example of this as it is separate from the main events, however it sets the audience up well for what they are expecting to see throughout the rest of the film by hinting at discrete clues and key iconography. Reasonable Doubt also uses this method, however, similarly to Se7en, it is not as discrete as it seems, as the audience later finds out that it does relate to the rest of the film.
Another type of title sequence would be stylised. Similarly to the discrete method, it is often separate from the rest of the film, however it usually involves more action and may introduce more characters. It also uses lots of complex graphics and special effects to draw further attention to what is being seen. Casino Royale, Deadpool and Zombieland are just some examples of films that use this technique. They not only enhance the audiences experience, but they convey the text in a way that makes it exciting and enjoyable to watch.
Thirdly, a narrative title sequence could be used. This is when the opening relates to the film itself as it is part of the story. The film The Shining uses this method, as we see Jack driving to the Overlook Hotel. Although it gives away very little of the story line, it still links in with the events. Another example of a narrative title sequence would be Donnie Darko, as we are introduced to the main character straight away.
Putting credits over a screen is a fourth way of presenting a title sequence. Choosing a particular colour palate and having a good soundtrack is more important as there is less visuals to focus on. Pulp Fiction uses this technique, contrasting vivid oranges and yellows with a black background. It can be very effective if done correctly, as the tone of the film can still be established successfully. Some directors choose to use this style to avoid overshadowing the main film.
Importance in setting tone
The choice of music and font type are usually the key signifiers used to establish a particular tone or atmosphere. This heavily links in with genre too, with both aspects being important to set. Without this, the audience may become confused, as they expect to see a fairly conventional opening that provides some kind of introduction to the film.
A title sequence is the way in which a film introduces the title and key people involved in the movie. It can be done in a variety of different ways, however visuals and sound are often used to convey the overall tone and genre of the film. This makes it become more than just words on a screen, as it can be a useful tool to tell the audience more about the story. The audience would expect to see the film title, appropriate music, the names of cast members, and a clarification of genre.
Different types
There are four main ways of producing a title sequence. One way would be to do a discrete title sequence, and is often referred to as a 'mini film'. It is almost like a separate clip before the film starts (with a separate narrative to the rest of the film), however it heavily focuses on setting the tone and genre in a way that does not reveal much about the actual story line itself. Se7en is a prime example of this as it is separate from the main events, however it sets the audience up well for what they are expecting to see throughout the rest of the film by hinting at discrete clues and key iconography. Reasonable Doubt also uses this method, however, similarly to Se7en, it is not as discrete as it seems, as the audience later finds out that it does relate to the rest of the film.
Another type of title sequence would be stylised. Similarly to the discrete method, it is often separate from the rest of the film, however it usually involves more action and may introduce more characters. It also uses lots of complex graphics and special effects to draw further attention to what is being seen. Casino Royale, Deadpool and Zombieland are just some examples of films that use this technique. They not only enhance the audiences experience, but they convey the text in a way that makes it exciting and enjoyable to watch.
Thirdly, a narrative title sequence could be used. This is when the opening relates to the film itself as it is part of the story. The film The Shining uses this method, as we see Jack driving to the Overlook Hotel. Although it gives away very little of the story line, it still links in with the events. Another example of a narrative title sequence would be Donnie Darko, as we are introduced to the main character straight away.
Putting credits over a screen is a fourth way of presenting a title sequence. Choosing a particular colour palate and having a good soundtrack is more important as there is less visuals to focus on. Pulp Fiction uses this technique, contrasting vivid oranges and yellows with a black background. It can be very effective if done correctly, as the tone of the film can still be established successfully. Some directors choose to use this style to avoid overshadowing the main film.
Importance in setting tone
The choice of music and font type are usually the key signifiers used to establish a particular tone or atmosphere. This heavily links in with genre too, with both aspects being important to set. Without this, the audience may become confused, as they expect to see a fairly conventional opening that provides some kind of introduction to the film.
Comments
Post a Comment