Title Sequence Comparison
- 2. Signs (2002) M. Night Shyamalan Music and Lyrics (2007) Marc LawrenceThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Andrew Adamson
- 3. Introduction • After analysing a range of opening sequences for films of a variety of genres, the next step is to compare each opening’s use of text, discovering which areas of text are conventionally found within all film opening sequences, regardless of genre, and which have been used specifically for that film, resulting in a specific effect original to that specific media text.
- 4. Similarities • Within each of the films regardless of genre I have discovered that the order in which the title sequence is presented is very similar within each film. Often occurring in the order: Production related titles, leading actor names, film title, further actor names, casting, co-producers, costume designer, composer, editor, production designer, director of photography, executive producers, producers, screenplay, director.
- 5. • From this similarity held by all three films I have learnt that when creating and applying a title sequence to an opening this is the conventional order in which the text is expected to appear. This will help me when it comes to creating my own opening as I now understand what order the credits should be in in order to create a conventional title sequence for a film.
- 6. Differences Signs (2002) • However, in terms of the differences I found that the composition of the opening titles within each film vary in one way or another. For example within the thriller Signs, the title sequence dominates the opening credits, this has the effect of emphasising the importance of each of the names as well as enticing the audience with enigma codes as the gradually pacing music as well as the fluctuating cut time from each title builds anticipation within the audience as they speculate what thrills will await them. This therefore, reveals that the absence footage alongside the title sequence has been done so in order to rise anticipation within the audience as the intense music builds suspense and the slight flickering within the backgrounds foreshadows future events within the film without yet revealing them to the audience.
- 7. • For example the changing light could connote the flickering of a torch light shining out across a crop field at night, which is a rather memorably suspenseful scene that occurs later within the film. Also the rather dark outer edges of the blue background, could connote the impending danger and darkness that has already begun to slowly surround the protagonists before they have even been revealed to the audience. This again rises tension and helps to entice the audience. Therefore, meeting with the conventions of an opening sequence as well as a thriller film.
- 8. • Another interesting composition was of that of Narnia, who although possessed titles which were large in size and a dominant presence upon the screen, the sequence was also accompanied by footage. This being the train in which the protagonists are travelling on, as they are taken safely to the countryside as a result of the dangers of war. This has the effect of allowing the conventional title sequence to feature within the opening, however, also allows for the establishment of the narrative, as the characters and settings are revealed to the audience. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- 9. • This has the effect of enticing the audience as they are provided with something more visually exciting than simply text. This could be said to reflect the young target audience for the film, as this would help to entice children into watching the film as they are provided with a visual pleasure of a series of shots of, such as: the impressive steam train (both inside and out), as well as the passing landscape and the varying personalities and attitudes of the protagonists, therefore allowing for a more enticing opening sequence as well as an easily understood one.
- 10. Music And Lyrics (2007) • Within Music and Lyrics, additional titles have been used. For example the use of the title of the song that immediately begins to play as the opening begins as well as the date, producer and band. This particular title is unique to this film and has the effect of signalling to the audience that this film is beginning with the footage from a music video. This can be identified as the use of such a title is a generic convention of a music video which along with the footage of instruments being played and people preparing to sing, this idea clearly communicated to the audience.
- 11. • The use of such an original opening sequence has the effect of surprising the audience and links to the amusement of the comedic genre that the film is based upon. As the idea of a music video featuring within the film is rather unconventional and therefore helps to create a rather enticing as well as humorous opening scene, as the actors are clearly over exaggerating the stereotype of a typical 80s music video.
- 12. • This reveals that within genres such as comedy, conventional elements are specifically changed in order to surprise the audience and cause them to laugh as they are met with something rather odd and original. Therefore, linking to the comedic genre as well as the themes within the film, such as the title Music and Lyrics which reveals the focus within the film to be towards music and song, therefore again linking directly with the action within the opening sequence as well as the first title used.
- 13. Conclusion • After analysing the use of text within each opening sequence it can be concluded that when creating my title sequence I should remain to the conventional order when stating those involved within the creation of the film. However, in regards to the layout, I should decide upon either playing the sequence alongside footage, such as like that within Music and Lyrics, allowing the credits to be a secondary focus in comparison to the footage (allowing for characters and the narrative to be established) or I should follow the example of films such as signs and make the title sequence the main focus of the opening in order to build tension and anticipation within the audience. However, although this did help to fit the thriller genre I believe that this would limit my piece as this would prevent me from setting up the narrative or introducing the characters to my target audience, as no footage would be shown. Therefore, I believe that I will follow the example of films such as Narnia and Music and Lyrics as within these films the titles are still key to the opening however they are used to accompany the footage, allowing for both the convention of a title sequence to be incorporated as well as portraying and establishing the narrative, settings and characters to the audience.