Research into Opening Sequences

Click below to explore a range of different title sequences.:
http://www.artofthetitle.com/


Hollow Man (2000)

This title sequence centers around the Sci-Fi aspect of the film. The green and black colour scheme represent the scientific element to the film, and also the suspicious, darker side to the storyline. The music also supports this because it sounds mysterious. The sequence is simple yet effective, and the floating letters resemble DNA or something linked to Biology to once again reinforce the science theme. The title sequence lasts approximately 2 minutes.

Even though this is a different genre to that of our film, I still think it is an effective opening sequence and has given us some ideas in regards to text transition. I like the way that the names of the cast are written twice at the same time, and the way the movement of the text represents instability (which reflects the main character after he has been altered).

I think that partnering text with images and movement is a good idea because it makes the opening of the film more visually interesting. I like that the colours are vibrant and striking to capture the attention of the audience.

Forest Gump (1994)

This title sequence is also around 2 minutes. However, because the genre is different to Hollow Man, it is a different kind of title sequence. This one follows a feather to the main character, and along the way uses a series of establishing shots which determine the setting for the film. The location appears normal, and therefore supports the conventions of the drama genre. This is something we can more likely take inspiration from because it is the same genre as our film. This clearly complies with the conventions of the genre because it uses ordinary, realistic characters and ordinary settings - all within the opening sequence. At the same time, it is an unusual opening because the camera follows the journey of a feather as it drifts on the breeze. This is a good way of establishing the setting of the film however, before focusing on the main character. 

The fact that the first thing we see of the main character is his dirty trainers has a comical effect to establish the comedic sub-genre which accompanies the main genre. It is even more humorous when the audience sees that the rest of his costume is immaculately clean and smart.



Quantum of Solace (2008)

This title sequence in slightly longer. It lasts for a total of 3 mins 22 secs. It has a different genre to the other two opening sequences I have looked at because it is an action film. To reflect this, early on the main character James Bond is established because he is the only figure on the screen. To reflect the genre, there is a lot of gun imagery and shooting incorporated into the sequence. Likewise, the opening sequence itself appears visually very high-tech. This could link with the fact that spies and secret service agents usually are equipped with the latest gadgets and technology to help them do their job. I think this is shown in the grid-like imagery on the background of a few shots.