Opening Sequences

What is the purpose of an opening sequence? 

They are shown at the start of a movie to list the most important cast and crew involved in the production of the film. It also helps set the scene and almost gives clues as to what the film consists of and what is to come.  It sets the scene of the overall movie, and can be presented via a establishing shot to display to the audience where they are in the films' world. Abstract openings however, doesn't give away much about the setting of the scene but rather focuses on the themes and tones of the film. 

What is the difference between an opening credits and a title sequence?

The difference is that a title sequence is is separated from the main action of the film. Opening credits consist of key information like the film director, cinematographer, lead actors ect. However tile sequences creatively capture the essence of the film.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

• 2D style graphics in 3D environments/Kaleidoscope patterns- Casino Royale

This makes the audience engaged as it visually encapsulates the audience, as well as foreshadowing what the movie holds, displaying  iconography which is obviously card/poker type themes like clubs, hearts ,spades and diamonds. This is used all through out the opening credits.

• Freeze-framing/ Ink bleeding effects- Sherlock Holmes

Freeze framing is effectively used as it helps transition from real life to a animated picture that has an old newspaper vibe. This keeps it interesting switching from bits of the actual movie to freeze framed graphic photos.

• Fast editing-Enter the void

The fast editing is effective in combination with the different style of fonts, constantly switching things up, making it more easier for the audience to get through without getting bored.

• Transitions - spider man 2002

 Doesn't disclose the contents of the movie but importantly gives insight to what the villain looks like, as well as the spider suit. The transitions between webs are very evident as well.

Other examples are:

• Glitchy effects
• Live action close ups
• 3D objects/subjects
• CG effects

Hitchcock Film: Candyman 1992

• The Candyman has a opening sequence that constant of a tracking shot of a city and its motorways. This is a constant shot that is carried out, with simple transitions of the text/credits that come on top of the visuals. Visually, there's is very little that will keep the audience interested in watching the opening credits. This could however be used to make the effect of ending even more powerful as it stands out a lot more. The switch from a plain and simple background to the bees makes it more dramatic, and then transitions to what looks like the bees taking over the city. In  terms of sound, the non diegetic music is somewhat dramatic and gets more louder and dramatic as the opening sequence goes on. The music then suddenly stops and then goes on to play the voice of a man uttering rather scary and almost disturbing content ("what is blood for, if not for shedding? "for example), as well as the hum of the bees and eventually the scream of a woman. This offers intrigue of what is to come in the film. 

She Hulk: Attorney at Law 

• In the She Hulk opening sequence, the technique, much similar to the one mentioned before, called freeze framing is used and is very effective. Freeze framing pictures and scenes from the actual series keep it interesting and fresh, and with the added effect of water painting/dying the pictures keeps it visually interesting and pleasing for the audience. This varies from the Hitchcock opening sequences as it incorporates special editing and effects. In regards to the music used in this opening sequence, the song ' Whos that girl' is used, making us as the audience expect a powerful boss woman who not only is stunning and staggering but yet put together. This is ironic as She Hulk is the total opposite of this. She is shown in court with bushy hair, ripped clothes ect. This tells the audience that the series will also be filled of humour just as much as action.

Skyfall: James Bond

• Skyfall has a very unique and rather iconic opening sequence. This is because of extremely smooth and interesting transitions. The transitions aren't just between different scenes from the movie, yet it foreshadows the vibe and mood of the movie through the colours and themes portrayed. For example, transitions from underwater in the ocean to a dark graveyard of knives and guns then to shadows of himself and fire ect. These transitions are super seamless making it extremely interesting to watch as an audience. As said before, everything shown in the opening sequence foreshadows what is going to happen in the movie in one way or the other. This gives the audience clues and starts us thinking on the plot of the movie. With this being said, Iconography is also used as the importance of the guns and knives are appeared evident to the audience from the get go. This tells us that they are important in the outcomes and plot of the film. Low lighting and shadows are also heavily used in the opening sequence, as said before to help establish the overall theme and mood of the movie, telling us the movie is not going to be bright and happy, but rather the opposite. This opening sequence gives the illusion that because of the seamless editing and transitions, that this is a continuous tracking shot. Lastly, the music choice can also be seen as ironic as it is completely different to the action packed movie. Rather than choosing a fast passed adrenaline type music, the song is slow. Despite this, it actually works very well with the graphics shown, adding a slightly melodic and melancholic sense, making us as an audience question whether someone even the main character faces hard times or even death in the upcoming film.