Opening sequences

Opening Sequences

 What is the purpose of an "Opening sequence?"

• Opening sequences, when done well, are very important and effective in films as they immediately portray the tone of the movie, intriguing the audience as they're already captivated by the opening and would like to find out what actually takes place in the film.

• Furthermore, Opening Sequences add a level of anticipation to the film as they do not give away what the film is about, but may give clues as to what may take place. This allows the audience to conclude their own thoughts on what the movie is about, therefore intriguing them as they wish to see if their assumption was correct.
• Lastly, Opening Sequences are usually very interesting and captivating as their graphics are very well done, and their ideas are often very abstract and creative. This allows the audience to gain interest in the film rather than becoming bored, as they usually would with the plain Opening Credits. 

 What is the difference between an "Title sequence" and "Opening Credits?

• Opening Credits usually refer to the movie credits being superimposed over an opening scene. This screen was originally a black one, however it was later developed into a still background also. More recently, however, these opening credits are given a standalone 'sequence' or a series of shots created specifically to present them. This is known as the "Title Sequence."

 What techniques can be employed in an Opening Sequence??

• Opening sequences have no set structure and can therefore come in many different lengths, colours, and graphics, depending on the mood the director wants conveyed. The way these opening sequences are made and what is incorporated are known as the Techniques used. 

Here are examples of some of the Techniques that may be incorporated:

• A lot of the time 2D graphics are used, often in the form of paper cut graphics- most commonly seen when a story is being told through the opening sequence as it is quick but effective and does not give any of the characters away. E.g. Catch me if you can

• In addition to this, 2D styled graphics can also be used in 3D environments. This interdimensional effect adds more layering to the film. E.g. Casino Royale

• Kaleidoscopes can be used to add an element of fun, but can also be used to portray a falling effect.

• As seen with many horror movies or thrillers often the technique used in the opening sequence is that there isn't one!! But rather the movie begins straight away without context. This adds to the level of intensity and mystery, both themes often conveyed in these style films. 

• Similarly, some opening sequences consist of flashbacks, where context can be given, but the movie still begins straight away. This is often created with flashes of black cutting into scenes of past memories. They are very fast paced and appear almost "flashy."   

• 'Freeze Frames' are also very commonly used for a more artsy, charismatic effect.

• Choice of colour is also very important. The director may choose to only use a certain amount of colours to make the graphics more simple to portray a collected, elegant and organised theme. However, another may choose the opposite and use many mismatched colours to convey a more wild, chaotic and unorganised theme.  

Comparing Opening Sequences and their Techniques

I have chosen three thrillers to compare and contrast their opening sequences and their techniques used to make them effective. These thrillers are "Skyfall," a 2012 film directed by Sam Mendes, "Suspiria," a 1977 film directed by Saul Bass, and "Dial M for Murder," a 1954 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

I specifically chose these films during very different time periods to assess how different the opening sequences are, how they have developed and how effective they were overall. Furthermore, all three these films were directed by revolutionary members of the directing world, who all made significant breakthroughs in film industry. This will allow me to see how they have inspired one another and developed each others ideas into the types of opening sequences we see today.

Firstly, the film "Dial M for Murder" was a thriller released in the early 1950's and was one of the first line of films to stray from the opening credits presented on a plain black screen. However, despite its "lack of animation," this opening sequences' effectiveness lies in its meaningful graphic displayed. The graphic is fully coloured, a big development from previous black screens, and is furthermore a representation of the films title with an old dialing telephone and the letter 'M' portrayed on one of the dials. The colours used in this graphic act as a foreshadowing of what is to come as the letter 'M' is a capital and is red- red being symbolic of death and danger and the capital representing that it is a key part of the film. Lastly, this film opening uses dramatic music which makes much use of the violin as its main instrument. This is effective as the violin adds a dramatised effect, immediately building the suspense and creating the mysterious theme that the film is wishing to convey.

However, in much contrast to this, the 1977 Saul Bass film consists of 2D animations using the three main colours of red, blue and yellow alongside the incorporation of much black. These colours appear one at a time, each of them used to convey a different emotion with what image is being created. For example, when the title 'Suspiria' is shown the background colour is completely red. Similar to Hitchcock's film, this is clearly symbolic of the fact the danger will be imminent, and may also even act as a foreshadowing that blood will be spilt. Coupling this is the shape of the 2D graphics. They do not consist of smooth, round edges but are rather extremely sharp and jagged adding to the tone rougher tone being conveyed. Although these graphics aren't extremely elaborate, they are all representative of key moments in the film, however they do not give anything away as they are very out of context. This adds to the intriguing element of this opening sequence as the viewers wish to 'connect the dots' between the hints they are given. Unlike Hitchcock's film, 'Suspiria' includes music which is much more pulled back. The music still includes a strong, driving beat with use of picking from the electric guitar, but rather creates a more sinister and almost 'creepy' feel.

Skyfall is the most modern of all three these thrillers and is the only opening sequence which fully uses 3D graphics. The use of real life images, in comparison to cartoonish 2D graphics seen in 'Suspiria,' adds a level of sophistication to 'Skyfall,' immediately establishing a more serious tone. This 3D graphic is maintained throughout the whole opening sequence, however, it is furthermore intensified through the use of the kaleidoscopic effect. This adds a sense of chaos and commotion, possibly symbolic of the idea that in the film, Bond doesn't actually know every outcome- as it is sometimes portrayed- adding the risk of danger towards him. Many dangerous weaponry and themes are displayed such as guns, knives, graves, bullets and fire, acting as a foreshadowing that these weapons will all be evident in the film. The music in this opening sequences is of much significance as the vocalist used is none other than world renowned 'Adele,' meaning that viewers are immediately under the perception that the film is good and high quality, just as its singer. The song itself takes a while to build, starting with only piano keys and Adele's deep voice, then starts to build up until a climax is reached at the same point the kaleidoscopic effect is introduced. These elements work together to intensify the tone of the film so that the viewers have already built up anticipation before the film has even started.