During today's lesson, we learnt that thriller film openings have three different types of structures which are followed by film producers.
A narrative opening with titles running throughout
A discrete title sequence
Titles over a blank screen followed by the narrative opening
A 'stylized editing'
A narrative opening:
Instantly, we are introduced to a story from a birds eye view/bird of prey (a bird watching its prey. Giving the effect that someone is being watched.
The titles are scanning upwards in a vibrant colour, overlapping the visuals in the background.
In addition to the aerial shots, we are familiarized
with the narrative of the opening. The camera follows the journey of a man to his interview.
A discrete opening:
Se7en follows the discrete film opening as it consists of clips that are not particularly relevant to the film.
This title sequence consists of quick extreme close ups and some blank screen with flashing texts.
The opening introduces the audience to the type of characters in the film and it also sets a mood.
Titles over a blank screen opening:
Dead Calm's opening sequence is very bland, it presents the titles on a black blank screen, followed by a narrative piece. This introduces the audience to the characters and in this film, we immediately identify the main character as he is given the most screen time.
This opening includes wide shots and aerial shots, displaying the location and the characters.
A stylized opening:
Mesrine follows a stylized film opening as it includes sophisticated and sharp editing. There is a narrative from the beginning. Each shot shows different characters in different angles and they are presented in different screens. The titles appear throughout the shots beside the visuals.
Out of all four types of film opening structures, I personally prefer the outcome of stylized openings. I feel that it grabs the audience instantly. It looks beautiful and it presents the opening in a very unique and sophisticated way.
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