Title Sequence Clip Review

     My initial impressions of the impact of the opening sequences of films shocked and astounded me. As though the scenes were at the beginning, these scenes played a big part into the development of the film, through uses of foreshadowing for what is to come and what we should expect, allowing for us to understand the characters and/or plot, and captivating and drawing in the audiences attention. Th us of the opening sequence allows for film directors to set the plot, and begin the story.

    The use of the opening sequence allows film directors to bring the film to life in numerous ways, from being cool and collected, to electrifying and ecstatic, there is no "right way" to do it. There are also many factors when it comes to the use of creating an opening sequence that directors must take into account, such as the music and the transition if words onto the screen, to the nitty gritty details such as the font and color of the words, which are also major into creating the type of theme for the film. The typography used throughout the years has varied and grown to be more important over time, as stated by Miles Merrill, "Every film includes words flowing across the screen." Merrill also states, "Film titles are very important because they set up the expectation of the audience." Essentially, this means that the film director is starting the opening sequence, and presenting the theme and plot in a condensed form to the audience through foreshadowing. 

    For the actual opening scenes, there have been many various, and correct ways to do it. Some can be calm and serene, such as the Lion King. The Lion King opens with a strong but vibrant font, with a strong choice of music, as we see the animals gathering together, where the old prepares to depart, and allow the young to come in. Some title sequences are seemingly calm, and flip on itself, becoming quickly violent, such as in Pulp Fiction, Jaws, and Scream. Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction opens seemingly calm, with a couple talking about scenarios in a diner. As the scene goes on, we feel this sense of emotion from the 2 characters, and it creates and ecstatic feeling for the audience. There seems to be a contrast between the 2, as they seem different in personality, as one is calm, in comparison to the man who's ego is big, and almost has a seemingly developed God complex. Towards the end of this sequence, the action hits, and the scene changes in mood, becoming quickly violent and profane, with the classic Bol red words moving into screen and captivating viewers. This can be said for Scream and Jaws, as in both, the scene starts of seemingly normal and calm, and quickly changes mood. Scream seems almost comedic, and quickly becomes forceful, as the man on the phone quickly becomes violent and erratic, whereas in Jaws, the mystery and tension builds, and the girl is quickly grabbed, disappearing. In Raging Bull, the scene sets the mood, as it seems very calm and collected. The video is black and white, where classical music is playing, and a smog surrounds the boxer, where we can see the flash of older cameras. This sets the theme for he boxer, as we can understand the zone he is in while preparing for his match, in which he is calm, collected, and focused. It also shows how focused he is, essentially blocking everything out, showing his strong mentality, and setting up viewers to understand what type of person he is. 

    The opening scene is important to films because it allows viewers to grasp onto, and begin to understand what the film will be like right off the bat. Through strong analysis of opening scenes, I have found that they are vital to understanding the film. It astounds me that we can find so much from the beginning of the film, and that it foreshadows a lot of what will occur later on throughout the film.