Title Sequence Clip Review

     Title Sequence Clips Blog:

    The beginning of a film, also known as an opening sequence, is probably the most important parts of the entire film. Not only do opening sequences introduce characters, conflicts, the setting/ where the film takes place or maybe even the genre of the movie. Pretty much establishing the entirety of what’s going to go down during the film, and it’s always important to pay attention during these first few minutes so you can understand the plot as the film progresses.  

 
    The introduction scene to Pulp Fiction, for example starts the movie out with its signature pop culture references, witty dialogue, and violence. When the characters honey bunny (Yolanda) and Ringo are having their conversation, the audience is immediately immersed in their plots to rob the diner they are eating in.  

  

    To continue to other examples, in the opening scene of the movie Scream directed by Wes Craven we are introduced to the actor and the villain's voice. As the main character is walking around her home on the phone with what appears to be some sort of villain during the film. The actors mock the use of typical horror films like “Halloween” and “Nightmare on Elm street” leading the audience to believe this film is going to be along the lines of those or more complex even. You get the idea that the main character is home alone and very vulnerable to a possible attack creating suspension and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.  

 

    Jaws, another amazing film, has a very impactful introduction/ opening scene.  The scene begins with music getting louder and louder as credits roll through the screen creating a great deal of suspense. You then see a group of what you could imagine are all friends sitting on the beach, just being teenagers. You get to see the characters interact with each other as conflict arises and the plot for the movie is set- shark attacks.  

 

    Another film, Lion king (an animated film) opens with almost what could be called a theme song. You get to see the setting of where this film takes place as the screen pans through different images of animals in their natural habitats. For instance, you see elephants trudging through water, zebra’s running through grassy plains, and at the end the “main characters” the lions sitting with their child. Giving you a general idea of who or what the film is probably going to be about. Although, in this opening scene you aren’t really introduced to a conflict or plot any further than what you can infer on your own. 

    In the opening scene of the film Saturday Night Fever the audience is immediately introduced to what appears to be an important character to the film. His name is established “Tony” as you see him interact with another character as a pizza shop. Credits roll through the screen as the character goes about his task to bring paint back to his job. “Tony’s” character is established as the scene progresses leaving the opening scene to be very important to the rest of the film. Setting the genre and establishing as much as the director could.  

 

    In the article “First frames: titles in the digital realm” the author Miles Merril writes about the importance of opening scenes/ credits being included in movies. "It's a strange relationship, almost a legal obligation, but every film includes words flowing across the screen." The article not only describes and elaborated on what exactly an opening scene is, but it also references plenty of examples throughout the entire text making it a lot easier to follow along and understand the concept of an introduction scene better. The author of the article also introduces a very influential person in the industry. Saul Bass- an American graphic designer who was very well known for his "opening credit artistry."