Title Sequences

Title Sequences

Through our research we have looked at what makes an effective title sequence for a film. We found the most important were:

• Highlighting clues of the plot through symbolism to portray main themes,
• Establish enigma’s for intellectual engagement,
• Enable a back story which affect the characters, this could also establish enigma’s
• Appropriate music to expose the atmosphere and genre of the film, a romance film will have quick tempo and upbeat music, whereas a horror film may include a low pitched, disturbing sound making the audience instantly unsteady. This sets up expectations.
• Establish behaviour/use of character through the use of camera shot e.g., a close up would show they’re emotions are very important, although a long shot tells us that the environment the character is in is essential to understand.
• Opening credits and the name of the film,
• Information about the time and place to help the audience understand the context of the film.

EXAMPLE 1

The film “Donny Brasco” (director Mike Newell 1997), uses these elements in its title sequence effectively so as the audience we gain an informed insight to the story. In the first scenes, there is cross cutting between Donny Brasco and another male character telling us there is a close relationship between the two. They’re presented separately showing that even if they do not like each other, the characters are somehow linked to one another. This exposes part of the back story, suggesting that there may be conflict between the two characters. Through a close up of a photograph we see a gang of men; Brasco has circled one member of the group, so we focus on that character, implying the plot will revolve around Brasco attempting to harm this man. Mise en scene shows a gang of men dressed as gangsters, we assume they’re criminals therefore this hints that the film will revolve around a crime genre. There is also a close up of the character with light to dark lighting going across his forehead conveying he is looking out from the inside, establishing an enigma where the audience could ask why does this character have to hide from the others? We know that the film is set in 1920’s New York because there are shots of lights in the style of a Broadway setting, as well as shots showing the cars the men drive.

EXAMPLE 2

Similarly, “Alien” (Dir. Ridely Scott 1979) also uses certain elements to convey the film in the title sequence. It highlights clues of the plot through symbolism to portray main themes. The way in which the title appears on screen is unusual as it starts as lines then forms letters which shows that the film will contain aspects of a different nature to normal life. Airy, high pitched music is added in the background to exposing the inhumane atmosphere and increasing tension which establishes the behaviour of the film and the sci-fi genre also. Dark and dim shades of the background promote a tense atmosphere setting the expectation of a darker view of space exploration.