In class we have been looking at different opening title sequences for inspiration, and commenting on why they work...
The Strangers
This opening sequence builds up tension at the start by claiming that the film is based on true events. It shows the end of the film at the start, but keeps it unclear as to what has happened, only showing little snapshots of items that are relevant to the story. This allows the audience to be pulled in and when the film goes back to the start of the story, which will allow them to find out how this items came to be as they are now. The music is eerie and quiet, and just adds to the feel of the scene. The camera is handheld, adding an element of realism to the film, and reinforcing the idea that the film is based on true events. The point of this scene is to thrill and create tension within the audience. I think that it sways slightly more to the horror genre but remains within the thriller genre.
This film sequence is very different to 'The Strangers' opening title sequence, but is setting up a realistic setting and situation to pull the audience in. To set up the story, it uses a set of home movies featuring 2 small boys and their family. It resonates with the nostalgia of childhood and the non diegetic music which goes with it sets the melancholy tone. Unlike the opening sequence to The Strangers it isn't tense or scary at all. However it still works to set up the story which is revealed later on. The family videos allow you to see these characters lives and feel like you have known them for a long time, setting you up for the big reveal that the younger brother is actually dead. All this set up makes this reveal much more significant to the audience because they have some perspective on the situation, and feel like they have watched this mans entire life.
The Strangers
This opening sequence builds up tension at the start by claiming that the film is based on true events. It shows the end of the film at the start, but keeps it unclear as to what has happened, only showing little snapshots of items that are relevant to the story. This allows the audience to be pulled in and when the film goes back to the start of the story, which will allow them to find out how this items came to be as they are now. The music is eerie and quiet, and just adds to the feel of the scene. The camera is handheld, adding an element of realism to the film, and reinforcing the idea that the film is based on true events. The point of this scene is to thrill and create tension within the audience. I think that it sways slightly more to the horror genre but remains within the thriller genre.
This film sequence is very different to 'The Strangers' opening title sequence, but is setting up a realistic setting and situation to pull the audience in. To set up the story, it uses a set of home movies featuring 2 small boys and their family. It resonates with the nostalgia of childhood and the non diegetic music which goes with it sets the melancholy tone. Unlike the opening sequence to The Strangers it isn't tense or scary at all. However it still works to set up the story which is revealed later on. The family videos allow you to see these characters lives and feel like you have known them for a long time, setting you up for the big reveal that the younger brother is actually dead. All this set up makes this reveal much more significant to the audience because they have some perspective on the situation, and feel like they have watched this mans entire life.