Media Studies 19/09/11 - Thriller Opening Titles

Hello again


Today's lesson was primarily focused around the Title Sequences of Thrillers and also about "The Art Of The Title". During the lesson, I analysed the opening titles of 3 films: Taxi Driver, Se7en and Departed. 

In the film Taxi Driver, I took note of many different aspects that made the opening credits pretty convincing. During the opening credits, the names of the actors were displayed all over the screen, not just positioned in one area of the screen throughout the duration. This forces the audience to follow the text as it cleverly trails around the whole of the screen, making us aware of what is happening. As we can see during the titles, the film starts off in a Taxi, as the camera shot shows a taxi driving around a corner in what appears a city environment. The camera then changes shot, to a close up of a mans face, we do not know who this is yet, but we assume he's the taxi driver, as the camera alternates in shots, from the mans face to the window, of which there is an atmospheric mist/condensation building up on the window. We can see through the window to reveal bright neon lights. The busyness tells us that its a well populated city area, most probably New York. The lights indicates that it is night time. Also, as the film starts, the music starts off rather intense, but as it progress to inside the taxi, the mood changes to slow jazz, which usually represents something romantic. So already, to me, the film is probably about action and love. 


I also looked at the relevance of a title sequence:
What are title sequences and why are they so important?
What is their role/function?
-Title sequences are used so that we can see who is involved in the film/production. It is important because not only can we see who is in it and look out for it during the film, but it also gives an insight into what might happen, which is key in Thrillers.
-The role is to create an image to the audience, whether or not it is straightforward or illusive, in order to make the audience think about what the film may be about.

In the film Se7en, the way the titles are presented speak volumes as to what the film is going to be about. The titles alternate between text and imagery, of which it shows someone working on a secret document, however we do not know what it is, which in term creates suspense and mystery. During the titles, it has a light brown/sepia and grain effect to it, to make it appear old, as well as a variation of slow and fast motion transitions. The titles (credits) jump from side to side, with the font changing in size and focus, as it tends to blur. The music as well is deep and at certain points, distorted from a natural rhythm, which comes across as psychotic. It has a spooky vibe to it, which makes us think about the story line. At the end of the titles, we see a number of words/numbers flash up for a split second, with no relevance, which again creates suspense.


Design Elements
What elements are involved in the design of these sequences?

• Images
• Style (colour)
• Visual Effects
• Font
• Animation(s)
• Editing 

I then looked into the opening of Departed. The titles are rather simple, as it contains no real life, just a series of text, images and animations. It has one background image throughout, with a monochrome (black + white) theme, using red as a distinctive colour to represent blood. There are bullet holes that appear beside actors names, this gives the indication there are guns involved and violence is certain. The jumpy grain effect gives an impression that it is old. To keep the titles flowing, an animation that links each name to the next is used, noting that the credits flow down with the colour red showing us where to follow. This is a very effective title sequence, as it keeps us glued to the screen to follow this one red line.

From todays lesson, I have learnt about the effectiveness that the title sequence gives about the film in general. Without thinking about it, we the audience make assumptions based on what we think the film is about just be watching the titles. I will remember this for when I create my Thriller opening.

Chris T Rizzi