Title Sequence Clip Review

Opening sequences are meant to interest and capture the audience and foreshadow of what is to happen in the movie. They are also used to describe the plot and characters. This is my impression of the impact these opening sequences films and roles these scenes play to develop these different aspects. 

The first opening scene I viewed was of the “Space Odyssey”. It starts out with a completely black screen and almost spacey/suspenseful music, giving the feeling of curiosity. Then the music starts to get louder and louder giving the impression that the visuals will start but it doesn’t, making you want to see it more. Then the music initiates the picture with a loud part in the song, and it is a picture of space. The music was perfect for this opening because it sounded like space music and gave the idea of the emptiness and unknown idea of space.

The next opening scene I watched was from “Scream”. This opening scene starts with a loud bang and the title in big red letters, giving the impression of blood, during this it sounds like there were screaming noises and a 911 call in the background. The picture starts with a girl and she is having a normal night, but she gets calls from a man and he keeps on calling and begins to threaten her. Throughout this there is suspenseful music and each time something happens it gives a loud sound and when it is quiet there isn’t, creating a dramatic effect. 

I also watched the opening scene of “Apocalypse Now”. This one began with a picture of a tropical jungle. The music started playing and it was nice, instrumental music, and then a helicopter fly’s by and everything starts to blow up. The music gets a little louder but not a lot and then the screen splits and the bombing and the helicopter is on one side and a man laying down is on the other. He was staring at the ceiling fan as if it were a helicopter. It became obvious that the ceiling fan was a trigger for his PTSD from his time in the Vietnam war. 

Next was “JAWS”. Jaws started out with a black screen and noises that you’d here underwater. Then the music begins to get really loud and really fast but then stops when there is the picture of the teenagers at a bonfire at the beach. Two teenagers decide to go skinny dipping and the music gets louder making you think something is going to happen. Then the music turns sharp and a girl is getting tossed and eaten by a shark. The music gives a strong effect of fear and suspense. 

One of the last ones I watch was the opening scene of the “Lion King”. It started with joyful, soft music and animal noises. The picture showed all types of animals running in the same direction, and all gathering in front of the lions' cave. The music was saying “the circle of life” which was really fitting because all the animals were watching as the new lion was born because he was going to be king and the lion king now was going to die.  

Also, I read an article called “First Frames: titles in the digital realm”. This article has good points about opening scenes, for example it says, “It’s a strange relationship, almost a legal obligation, but every film includes words flowing across the screen.” which is true, every opening scene I have watched gives the title, cast, and producer list. It also says, “We try to get onboard with our clients from the beginning. So it’s almost pre-production rather than leaving it until the end.” meaning that they put credits in the beginning so that they have it done and don’t wait until the end. 

My current position on selecting film as a portfolio project is undecided, even with the class viewings and discussions. I like the idea, but I also like the magazine option.