Opening Sequences

What is the purpose of Opening Sequences?

The film's opening sequence is a way for directors to set the scene for what's to come. It establishes the plot as well as the mood / tone, introduces important characters, key themes, and setting. 
A well created opening sequence attracts the attention of the audience and lays the foundation for the story to follow. 

What is the difference between Opening Credits and a Title Sequence?

- When the sequence is separated from the main action of the film it is known as the title sequence.
- Opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of production. 

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

• freeze-framing with, introducing layers of illustration with ink bleeding effects  ~  Inspired by vintage newspaper headlines, linotype printing and ink drawings. This effect can create an image of looking through old newspapers. Can be used in a film set in the past.

An example of a film is Sherlock Holmes.

• 2D style graphics in 3D environments  ~   created using motion capture technology. Gives a contemporary look and grabs the audience's attention however does not take away from the main picture.

An example of a film is Casino Royale

• hand-rendered type, glitchy effects and live action close-ups  ~  glitchy effects can convey a hint of unrealism while close-ups give context and an emotional connection.

An example of a film is Se7en

Skyfall:

Skyfall is a 2012 action thriller film directed by Sam Mendes. The opening sequence portrays themes of death and danger. It starts off with the subject falling into the ocean which can be related to the title of the film. The camera first tracks the movement of the subject but then the screen turns black and then it cuts to a wide shot of a large hand pulling the subject down. This may convey that there is something in his life holding him down. Skyfalls' score relates entirely to what is happening in the opening sequence. When the lyrics say "Hold your breath...Fell the earth move and then; hear my heart bust again..." The subject is underwater, therefore holding his breath. When being dragged down the ground opens up and then a target is shown with blood escaping through where the heart is. The blood, guns, skulls and knives give the audience information before the film has actually begun; it tells that there is to be danger and violence in later scenes. When the subject is standing shooting at mirrors, it may mean that during the movie there could be a conflict of who to trust. The typography used is quite modern however does not draw much attention away from the action. 

Vertigo:

Vertigo is a psychological thriller that was directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock in 1958. Vertigo is a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness. The opening sequence uses this title and definition by conveying a swirl-like image in the eyes of the subject and goes on into the opening credits. This creates an illusive, hypnotic feeling towards the audience. The use of extreme close ups of the subjects' features as well as the unsettling score, establishes an uncomfortable feeling that could possibly set the scene for what's to happen during the movie. By using a red light, Hitchcock has foreshadowed danger that may possibly happen, warning the audience. 

Don't Worry Darling:

Don't Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, is a psychological thriller that came out in 2022. In the opening sequence, the typography of the opening credits starts to glitch, this can convey the meaning that not everything is as it seems and the reality may not be real. The audience are shown a project model of a town and a hand tracing the road. This can show that all moves made during the film may be planned out. There is also a shot of dancers on a stage. This too can portray that the 'reality' is actually an act that has been set out. The use of the song "Tonight you belong to me" by Eddie Vedder correlates to the plot of the film. It also sets an unsettling tone, preparing the audience for an eventful movie. 

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