Research Into Opening Sequences

An opening sequence sets the stage for a film whilst presenting all -in most cases- the major actors and senior crew. Titles are usually shown during an opening sequence, be it; on black, over a static image, or over action. Many thrillers rely on the opening sequence to begin to create suspense very early on in the film. I have chosen three of my personal favourite Thriller films' opening sequences to use as examples to delve deeper into the thinking behind opening sequences.

BULLITT (1968)

Bullitt is an Action/Thriller hybrid film, and in this opening sequence we are treated to a score that starts soft and gradually builds getting louder and louder. Note the fact it takes place at night, the shadows and dark colours give it a very mysterious feel. The titles slowly appear and move around the screen -note the way they move towards the screen to reveal the next shot-, they take place over action shots. The sequence itself is a good example of an opening sequence setting the stage for the film as we can see a crime taking place, which is integral to the plot. However not much is revealed which provides an enigma for the rest of the movie.

ALIENS (1986)

Aliens is a Sci-Fi/Thriller hybrid. In this sequence we have a very ominous score, there is a mysterious blue light in the middle of the screen, and the titles appear very slowly on black. The main title of the film appears from the blue light coincided with a large rise in the score to a crescendo with then begins to get slower. The transition from opening sequence to film is seamless as the scene and tone is set from the off with this opening sequence.

SIGNS (2002)

This title sequence is a lot more mysterious and scary than the other two. The score is very unsettling and the clashing black and blue on the title and background do not help this. The abrupt cutting gives off a feeling of urgency during the run through the corn field, the close up of the characters faces works well to pinpoint their reactions to what is going on. This title sequence works well as it builds suspense straight away and has the audience very unerved from the off.