Research- OPENING SEQUENCES

Opening Sequences

What is the purpose?

On the surface level, the purpose of a title sequence is to attribute credit to the producers and directors of a movie. Or even more simply, show case the movie’s title. However, there are many other implicit reasons why title sequences are produced.

Just like a cover of a book, title sequences are the ‘first glance’ our audience receives. They can either: draw the audience’s attention and interest, persuading them to experience more, or uninspire the audience and cause them to walk away without a second thought.

The effective graphics behind Title Sequences sets the tone and scene of the movie. For example, in the movie SKYFALL , (2012) directed by Sam Mendes, the Establishing Shot of the opening sequence revels the protagonist (James Bond played Daniel Craig) sinking lifelessly into a cool blue ocean.

Already, the audience gains so much information about the atmosphere and mood of the movie. The dark, ultramarine blue signifies a cold, unfeeling atmosphere. The lifeless gunshot body signifies the action, suspense and crime connected to the movie, as well as the fact that the protagonist is being hunted and in danger in this film. Already, after just a few seconds in our seats, we can grasp an idea of the genre, themes and style of the movie.

Music and sound effects playing behind opening sequences, also sets the mood and pace. In the film SKYFALL, the opening sequence plays over Adele’s Academy Award / Golden Globe / BRIT Award-winning theme song (non-diegetic sound). ( Skip from 0:30-1:00 mins) 

The soft, dreamlike melody both counteracts the abrasive, confronting subject matter as well as emphasizing the dark, ominous qualities of the water.

The opening sequence of THE BIRDS on the other hand, plays diegetic, mechanical, screeching of birds. ( Skip from 0:15-0:30 mins)

These, squawking noises almost sound like glass shattering, or tyres skidding, and already puts the audience on edge. This helps to set the tone and genre of the film.

They most vital effect that successful title sequences should achieve, is to leave the audience on the edge of their seats- engaged, excited and wanting to know more.

The difference between Open Credits and a Title Sequence

Opening Credits: a list of credits shown one after the other. Either shown by themselves, but can be an overlay even after the movie has started.

Title Sequence: a special scene that takes place before the actual scenes of the movie start.

A simple explanation on Wikipedia – ‘When opening credits are built into a separate sequence of their own, the correct term is title sequence.’- Such is the case in both movies James Bond- SKYFALL as well as THE BIRDS, by Hitchcock. 

Techniques Employed in Opening Sequences

Many Title Sequences often add in subtle hints of the plot line which foreshadow the movie. This is done in order to have a deja-vu effect on the audience as events unfold. In the movie THE BIRDS by Hitchcock, we see hundreds of feathered mammals darting across a white sky. Simultaneously, the credits are being ‘pecked apart’ or shattered by the birds. 

 This idea is then brought up in the following scenes where teacups are smashed

                                                    

 The image of tea cups smashing important symbol of civilisation being cut down. This menacing symbolism is emphasised in the abrasiveness of the birds, but also in the repetition of shattering in both the credits and the teacups.

Again we experience foreshadowing in the movie SKYFALL. The first shot we view is the low angle shot looking up at the protagonists sinking body. Usually the low angled shots are used to signify the power of the subject matter. However as the film continues, the camera pans downwards and changes to a high angled shot. 

This represents the protagonists loss of power/ status; his vulnerability; and lack of control. This idea is accurately portrayed in the opening of the movie, when Bond's latest assignment goes gravely wrong and agents around the world are exposed.

Another technique employed in many films, is 2D styled graphics in 3D environments. Some of these include: character animation, kaleidoscope card patterns. These techniques aren’t used in SKYFALL or THE BIRDS, but are used in earlier Hitchcock and Bond’s earlier films, such as Casino Royal (2006)    

  

    

This technique inspires the audience’s creativity and imaginative skills, as well as straying from the trend of abstract 3D graphic techniques to establish a diverse and eccentric quality.

Hitchcock used the technique of contrast in his film THE BIRDS. Originally, Hitchcock had planned, a slow, serene opening sequence to match the first half of breezy romance. A calm before the storm. However Hitchcock felt the original delicate Chinese paintings of birds that previously graced the credits, faced high chances of disengaging the audience. Therefore, ambiance of the scene was changed to a more menacing and tension building, which was what his marketing of the movie had promised. The sinister tone and foreshadowing of the birds in the opening sequence, contrast heavily to the light airy mood of the opening scene. This braces the audience with enigma and apprehension.

SKYFALL on the other hand, does not use the technique of contrast, instead, it sets the tone of the movie. Repeated symbols are iconic to many Bond opening sequences and are often expected by the audience. One symbol in particular, guns, are used with any connected innuendoes or metaphors, and are direct representations of danger themselves, thus flowing directly into the action of the movie.