Task 3 - What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?

What is the purpose of a title sequence and film opening?

Film openings and title sequences are made to intrigue the viewers and compel them to carry on watching the film. As Thomas Sutcliff has said ‘films need to seduce their audience into a long term commitment’. They must introduce a clear narrative to give the audience an idea about the plot. The location and settings are slowly revealed in the mise-en-scene as well as music that helps set the scene. There are many people who are introduces in the opening: for example, actors, directors, producers, editors, camera crew and screen writes. This is used to make sure that everyone gets credit for their hard work and gets the recognition they deserve. However, not every single person’s name is in the film opening as most are at the end credits. Right at the beginning the corporation logo/ name e.g. Dream Works Pictures, is established as this id legally required. Within the opening the film name is publicized in order to anchor the title sequence. The film name links to the opening and helps the audience understand the title sequence.

Example: the title sequence for Edward Scissor Hands first shows the corporation name and then begins to introduce the legal people. The film begins with melodious music (almost like a lullaby) and the slow opening of a door. We are introduced to the setting, which is an old webbed mansion. The titles are over moving images which introduce the narrative. The atmosphere is quite mysterious and creepy which is quite misleading as the movie itself is actually a comedy.

Example: the title sequence for catch me if you can is quite similar to Edward scissor hands yet instead of using motion pictures animations have been used . At the beginning the corporation name is embedded into the animation. There is jazz music playing in the background which sets quite a calm and ordinary tone. We are introduced to the plot as we can see a storyline being unfolded within the animation. The title credits similar to the corporation name have been implanted into the title sequence to create a nice flow.