Types of openings

There are four different types of openings conventionally used in film openings. These include:

• Discrete title sequence
• A traditional film opening with titles running throughout the sequence
• Credits over a blank screen
• Stylised editing

Discrete title sequences can sometimes be stylised too. However, the main structure of this title opening is that it shows a series of random images in the sequence that relates to the movie itself in some ways. This is an effective way of opening a film as it introduces the audience to the character without us even realising. Also, it is engaging and draws the audience in straight away before the film has actually started. Mission impossible presents a discrete title sequence as it shows the audience random images from the movie.

The structure of a traditional film opening has titles running through the title sequence. Usually, it begins by establishing a location or setting by introducing it with a wide shot or a long shot. I have chosen the movie 'Romeo must die' as an example to illustrate the conventions of a traditional film opening. As the sequence begins, we are shown a car driving on a bridge and the camera following the car in a wide shot. This immediately establishes the location of the movie. As the titles roll over the top, the camera shots get closer to the car until one of the main characters are shown sitting in the car. As the title sequence ends the action of the movie begins.

Another type of opening is credits over a blank screen that is followed by the film's opening. This can be identified easily as it is simply just a blank screen - can be any colour - with the credits shown on top. As this is a simple structure, the use of sound and colours are essential in setting the tone of the atmosphere for the audience. Usually, fades are used to bring the sequence to an end into the movie.

 

Stylised editing is a common structure used in title sequences as this engages the audience. Usually, you can identify a stylised title sequence through the heavily edited transitions and fonts. An example of a stylised title sequence is 'Snatch'. In Snatch, various editing techniques are used. These include editing the character so that it is animated, changing the orientation of the screen so that it rotates and is shown upside down and also, the use of interchanging scenes are used to switch from one event to another. The image below shows Brad Pitt throwing a bag and then it switches to another location where another man receives the bag.