Film company names are introduced at the beginning of the film; these are essential due to copyright and are used as a signature stamp which concludes that the entire contents of the film were done by the companies shown at the start. With certain film companies, by seeing their logo, they identify them with a certain genre which allows the audience to make assumptions of what film techniques that are known for doing, their common genres etc.
Opening credits are fundamental for the opening sequence; they give credit to all those involved with the creation of the film; from visual effects to makeup artists to the actors themselves. The director is always placed last in the series of credits due to them being the planner and organiser of the film setup. Even the font of the credits gives reference to the genre of the film; for example, Se7en uses glitchy and eerie font which emphasises the feel of the opening. The font relates to the unstableness of the antagonist and the sinister series of events that unfold throughout the plot. Secondly, the protagonist is introduced, this is not always the case but when the opening does involve the introduction of the main character, the movie creators have to make sure they are relatable/ likeable/ down to earth etc. so they can appeal to the target audience. They may be in the form of a hero (Luke Skywalker) or an anti-hero (Captain Jack Sparrow). For example, in thrillers, the protagonist must be courageous, curious, intelligent yet flawed in some way (such as David Mills in Se7en had aggression issues) as they must have the correct character to be able to delve into the dark forces of evil and become entrapped within the investigation until they face the antagonist. An example of this is in Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling was brave enough to go face to face with the infamous and mentally disturbed Hannibal Lector.
The location is also set in this scene, this is usually begun with a extreme long shot of the setting to understand the whole area of where the plot is going to follow. Also, this has to fit the conventions of a thriller, such as a city at night or in a dull location with little colour and bright light to create the tense atmosphere before the narrative starts. Furthermore, music is very important in this opening sequence, much like all the other aspects of the beginning of the film, the music has to merge reality with the movie so the audience are lost in the feeling of the film. In thriller films, this music has to build mystery and uneasiness unless the disruption of the equilibrium has not yet occurred.
There are four types of title sequences in total.
Text over black screen
Although this form does not appeal to everyone due to its simplicity, it is a dedication to the film crew members and those involved in the movie. An example of this is Pulp Fiction, where the title slowly zooms out while the opening credits overlap it. Black background is used in this sequence to highlight the white and yellow font and to deny any form of detail about the film, the only image shown is a woman and man holding a gun aggressively. The impact of this quick image leaves the audience unaware of the message and what their significance is to the film. In addition, the colours yellow connote danger which relates to the film as it is a hybrid of crime/drama.
The location is also set in this scene, this is usually begun with a extreme long shot of the setting to understand the whole area of where the plot is going to follow. Also, this has to fit the conventions of a thriller, such as a city at night or in a dull location with little colour and bright light to create the tense atmosphere before the narrative starts. Furthermore, music is very important in this opening sequence, much like all the other aspects of the beginning of the film, the music has to merge reality with the movie so the audience are lost in the feeling of the film. In thriller films, this music has to build mystery and uneasiness unless the disruption of the equilibrium has not yet occurred.
There are four types of title sequences in total.
Text over black screen
Although this form does not appeal to everyone due to its simplicity, it is a dedication to the film crew members and those involved in the movie. An example of this is Pulp Fiction, where the title slowly zooms out while the opening credits overlap it. Black background is used in this sequence to highlight the white and yellow font and to deny any form of detail about the film, the only image shown is a woman and man holding a gun aggressively. The impact of this quick image leaves the audience unaware of the message and what their significance is to the film. In addition, the colours yellow connote danger which relates to the film as it is a hybrid of crime/drama.
Discrete
Discrete film openings reveal as little as possible about the film and does not give any information away; various shots and snapshots are placed together which are unclear in forms of the plot yet the audience can pin them together to gain an image of the film intentions. Enemy of the State uses a discrete film opening; rapid and fast transitioning shots are placed in a uncoordinated and delusional manner. Camera shots include numerous birds eye views (police cars, tracking system etc), close ups of security cameras and criminals, rotational shots etc. One of the only assumptions of the film from the opening is that it is a crime genre which involves detective, criminal work, investigations and anything related to crime and violence. Music is incorporated with diegetic sounds such as police cars, gun shootings, technology/telecommunication noises etc. The music alone is in the form of prestissimo (very fast pace) which links to the disorientation the audience would feel at the discrete film opening, along with the fast pace of those in the plot line; cop cars, runaway criminals etc. 'Enemy of the State' reveals the crime aspect of the film as criminals are classed as enemies against the authority, although how the plot is involved in this, is left for the audience to discover.
Narrative
Narrative opening sequences follow a direct order; the Todorov theory. Narrative film openings may begin with a dynamic equilibrium, the way of life is average with no obstacles or disruptions present which will unbalance this equilibrium. An example of a narrative opening is The Shining; this follows a car through a scenic and mountainous route; all seems peaceful aside from the unsettling and solemn music. The opening credits are bright and turquoise and are briefly shown before sliding off screen. Camera shots are all of the car and the scenery (extreme long shots, zoom ins etc.), the only enigmas are; where is the car going? And why does the tone of the music contrast to the opening sequence? Again, little is revealed but it leaves the audience less confused than a discrete opening would do.
Stylised
Stylised can simply be described as a film designed to fit a specific theme or follow a narrative that is fictional/unrealistic for our world. A famous stylised film opening is Zombieland. Zombieland is not the typical form of zombie films and by the opening sequence, it is clear it is unique. The film is a black comedy which uses zombies for humour; the beginning of the movie has slow motion shots where different members of society are all running away from flesh eating monsters. The use of slow motion, rock music and the interaction of the characters with the credits all create an art form opening sequence which gives it a light hearted effect (even though extremely gory). Situations such as a father and his son in a three legged race running from zombies, and a James Bond impersonator shooting zombies convey this movie is humorous and not intended to be viewed as serious. Juxtaposition of the gory themes, music and characters running through credits all give the movie a memorable opening sequence.
No comments:
Post a Comment