An opening sequence is a way by which a film can be presented. It includes many features such as actors names, the film title, background music, company credits and title credits. It may also include the names of producers and directors. The overall concept for the opening sequence is to show the audience the films genre. This can be done in various ways but most commonly by the use of music, lighting and font.
We watched different opening sequences to compare the ways genre was presented through their individual styles. We also looked at the way each film interpreted the overall 'opening sequence'.
When we first watched the opening titles for the film Se7en, the first aspect we noticed was that the camera was only focusing in on certain details. It used the close up angle on the book which is an enigma code - as it made us think why is it so important. Also everything was a bit out of focus and had a distorted image, making the audience physiologically feel a bit uneasy. This distorted look is very stereotypical for horror film as it adds suspense and makes the audience think more in depth of what the film is about.
The font was also uneven and had a creepy look. It looked as if someone had carved the writing with a knife on wood. The colour of the font was white and contrasted on the black background. So the colours used were plain but gave affect however red was also used to stand out and represent the colour of blood.
The music and sound that was used also adds suspense making the audience feel apprehensive. The music that was used was typical for a horror film. It included sound effects like screeching and screaming which adds to the theme. Another sound effect that was used is the sound of machinery. This is effective as the machinery sounds as if it is going to break and an accident is about to occur which would cause blood and screaming.
Overall we thought this opening sequence didn't portray much
about the film. In some ways this is good for the film as it goes nicely
with the horror theme of not knowing what to expect. However it could
be seen as being quite annoying as you can't really grasp what the film is about.
The Dark Knight
The beginning of this sequence started with an aerial shot of two men zip wiring across an extremely high building. Along with the music this scene was a very dramatic way to open the film; it makes the audience question what is going on and keeps them focused and intrigued on what's going to happen next. In contrast near the end of the scene when the joker is revealed the close up shot of him makes the audience feel shocked as it is very unexpected. I feel the money shot is when the bus crashes into the bank. The bus dramatically slams into the bank causing a lot of mess and chaos. You can automatically see that this scene would have cost a lot of money but it also keeps the audience entertained and focused on the screen.
Overall we quite liked this opening sequence as we thought it was a very dramatic way to open the film; so made the audience gripped into what was going to happen next. We also liked the fact didn't give too much away as it makes you want to find out the questions you have while watching it. We like the fact that it doesn't show any titles or credits - it just gets straight into action.
The Bourne Supremacy
The beginning of this sequence starts with dramatic music as the title of the film comes on the screen. We thought this was quite effective because it acts as a build up for what is to come. By having gripping music at the start of the film already gets the audience questioning why is it so intense.
As the sequence begins it looks as though the first part of the film has been made using a hand-held camera. It's very shaky and uneven and again questions the audience into not knowing what is going on. The shots are very blurry and out of focus, which again suggests that the first part has a hand-made feel. It is all very strange but keeps you watching to find out what is happening.
Also in this scene there is repeated dialogue - this again adds to the mysterious feel of the sequence. Why is this person saying the same thing over and over? Also you can hear in the sequence a girl screaming as if she is being tortured - again leaving you questioning what is going on.
The blurry and out of focus clips stop when the man wakes up to the sound of a gun shot. This again makes you question - was it just a dream, or was he having flashbacks? This close up of the man is very intense as just as the gun goes off his eyes open. This makes us feel like perhaps he was having a nightmare.
Overall we thought this opening sequence was good as it leaves you questioning what is the film about - it makes you want to watch on to find out the answers. However it was quite annoying that it doesn't give too much away.
This sequence shows how Carl and Ellie's life has progressed since getting married. I feel this scene really portrays the film genre. For example there is a close up of Carl and he looks so happy and content. It shows that the film is going to be a happy, family, feel good film. So gives a good overall expression for how the film is going to be. 
Throughout the sequence - seeing as there is no dialogue - the music helps to cleverly explain what is going on. This is effective because instead of listening to the characters talking, you are focused on what is actually going on. The music plays a key role as it tells the story. For example when Ellie finds out she has lost her baby the music gets quieter and slower - also in the scene the lighting changes to a dark grey colour unlike the usual bright lighting throughout the sequence. Whereas when they start to do things like collecting money to move away the music gets happier and more up beat. 
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