Opening Sequences

Opening Sequences

An opening sequence is used to help set scene and help indicate to the audience what the mood will be like for the rest of the film. It also presents the title of the film and all the main people credited for the making of the film such as the cast, directors and producers. This may be shown over black or during whats called the title sequence. Thriller Opening Sequences follow very common thriller conventions such as enigma codes and red herring as well as various editing and cinematographic techniques. 

The film "Sinister " opening is very unorthodox. It doesn't show any names of people like actors or credits. However its starts off as a black screen which makes audience very agitated for what they are about to see. Its done all as a long shot from a fixed point from an actual cameras perspective with their being a consistent score that doesn't change in any way throughout the sequence for over a minute without a cut. By making it a long cut it allows viewers to try and make an understanding of what is going on which makes it an enigma and by doing this it causes viewers to be more hooked in to the film. This is an a example of a non-linear narrative because by putting the audience in the middle of the story it creates a more mystery about the film.

The film " Children of Men " starts off the opening sequence by showing the production titles which are " Universal" and " Strike". Its then shows a black screen with the asynchronous sound of a news bulletin. During this it shows again the production titles by doing this it plays on the imagination of the audience of whats happening of wether it's a radio or on the television and where it could be played, whilst also trying to make sense of the story thats being read. Therefore creating an enigma. It then shows the protagonist enter the coffee shop with the camera picking him out from the crowd. By doing this it indicates to the audience that he is a main character in the film. Then tell audiences the the year and the location of the protagonist and where the movie is set to help give information to the audience. The use of a long take with it being a tracking shot helps make the audience feel as though they area actually in the film following the protagonist. Also because their was a long take, it made the audience more surprised and being as shocked and confuse as the protagonist considering he was just in the same coffee shops moments ago that just exploded.

The film " Shutter Island" opening sequence is an example of a non-linear narrative. The sequences uses shots of various places that all seem to be in the same location, which indicates to the audience where the film is about to take place. The use of three point lighting in the very first shot creates because it creates dark corners and makes a very suspicious door the main subject which can make the audience feel apprehended. The use of transition and keeping it to a dark colures scheme keeps the audience intrigued by what they see and just make stye film more exciting to watch. The score as well which is synchronised to the movement on screen helps intensify the tension and suspense in the opening sequence. Also the use of faded in credits that is constantly shimmering and going out of focus can help unnerve the audience and create suspense. To also mention the use of the title of the film is in big bold capital red letters which red, makes us think of danger and blood.

For my opening sequence it should have a lot of enigmas because as that is a key aspect in making audience hooked into the film like in " Sinister" but also the use of the credits can have an important aspect for example in " Shutter Island". The opening sequence should also have a dark theme can help the audience intrigued, amused and help set the mood for the rest of the film.