9. What are the 4 different types of film opening?

9. What are the 4 different types of film opening?

How many categories of title sequences can be identified? 

There are Four main categories

Titles on a blank screen:

Historically this type of title sequence was the most common as it was a simple and uncomplicated way to include institutional information at the beginning of a film. Th include various kinds of typeface on a black background. White is the frequent typeface that is used as it gives high contrast on a black background. Some studios use them because they are on a low budget. 

What title sequence examples have looked at?

Example 1: Pulp Fiction:

In Pulp Fiction the title sequence has a black background with orange three-dimensional typeface with gives a more fun contrast then just white typeface. The title sequence starts with a few seconds where a man and woman are firing guns, which grabs the attention of the audience. 'Pump it' by Black Eyed Peas is played while the titles come up which is upbeat and catchy, which shows the tone of the film and that there will be a lot of action in the film. 

                                       

                              

Example 2: Psycho:

In Psycho the title sequence has a black background with white typeface which shows slickness and contrast but is quite plain and boring. Although the music creates tension and suspense, setting the tone of the film and the line that cut through the screen before the titles are shown and distorts them gives an effect of motion.

Titles on still images:

Historically, title cards developed to include hand drawn borders and images and combines different media to create the background. This type of title sequence different types of text to be included on visual still images to add an effect, this makes title become more elaborate and credits to become longer, meaning more titles can be added and not just the name of the studio and film maker. This also added a hint at potential themes and genres for the film with the addition of sound.

What title sequence examples have looked at?

Example: Wimbledon:

Kyle Cooper designed the titles over still images in Wimbledon. He used moving and still image to give a more complex and effective sequence that had simplicity. There are sound effects that are used to also give a feel of the film.

Titles over moving images:

This type of title sequence includes the title with moving image behind them to show a metaphor or a narrative thread, which allows to set the tone, theme and story line, so the audience can understand the story of the film. There is non-diegetic sound and normally no dialogue.

What title sequence examples have looked at?

Example: Cidade De Deus

This title sequence helps set the location of the film and sets the tone as the clips of the opening are short fast paced and in time with the music, which create tension and a feeling of anxiousness. 

Titles using animation or motion

This type of title sequence can during the late 1990s, the usage of animated title sequences inside of films gained popularity. The titles became apart of the moving image and movement was visualised. It incorporated digital technology, graphic effects and stylised editing.

Example: Catch Me If You Can

This film opening is full animation and is quite mysterious, as the 

animation shows a man changing his appearance every-time the background of the animation changes. This gives the audience a very clear understanding that the film is going to include a mystery and an investigation. The music also helps set the tone of the film as it has a similar type of sound to 'pink panther' the cartoon TV show.

  

There Sub-categories too:

1. Narrative Title Sequences:

Title sequences that have titles integrated into the moving image and begins as the film begins. 

2. Discrete Title Sequences:

Title Sequences that also have titles integrated into the moving image but it isn't clear what the films story line or plot is. However these title sequences help set the tone and gives an insight of what the film might include.

3. Stylised Title Sequences:

Title Sequences that are highly stylised and has a mixture of Narrative and Discrete title sequences. The moving images and title credits are stylised with filters and motion to create a combined effect.

Personal Preference:

I prefer stylised title sequences as the mixture of the two other types of title sequences gives a effect that wouldn't be achieved if only one was used. I like that the information and story-line of the film is quite vague and not too much is given away and the use of moving image shows motion and make the audience feel like they are in the movie and suspends disbelief.