Research into title sequences

For our short film, we will be required to have a title sequence within the film, and so, it is useful to conduct some research into other thriller-esque films to analyse what techniques other film producers have used, so that we can make a successful title sequence for our own film. During my research, I found a few different similar films, on the basis of the genre and storyline, and so I have looked at the title sequences for these films, to see how they play out, and if they are effective for the film.

The first film that is similar to ours on the basis of its storyline is The Others. The Others is about a family, composed of a mother, and two children, who are living in a remote mansion in Jersey, in the aftermath of the War. Supernatural happenings begin to occur in the house, such as doors being unlocked when they were previously locked. The daughter, Anne, says that there is a young boy, who lives in the house, Victor, with his family, and originally, from here, it is assumed by the audience that they are 'the others'. At the end, it is revealed, the mother and her children are actually spirits.

The title sequence to The Others gives a foreshadowing into what could happen within the film, as it progresses. As the title sequence plays, there is a candle lit light glowing throughout the clips, which gives it an old fashioned, creepy feel, which could be useful in order to set the mood of the film.

The non diegetic music that plays throughout the title sequence gives it an old feeling, as it is orchestra-esque music, which for some psychological films, can be effective in making the film seem creepy, which, during my research into similar films, when I looked at the reviews, for The Others, people commented on its atmosphere as being creepy, due to its era, and therefore, the music in the opening scene can contribute to this.

Here in the title sequence, it shows something that actually happens during the film. There is great emphasis by the mother on that one door must be locked, before the next door is opened, and when the supernatural elements enter the film, the family notice that doors that should be locked where actually open. When Anne says she has befriended a young boy, who lives in the house with his family, she scares her brother by saying that Victor is in the room, which is seen here in the title sequence.

Towards the end of the title sequence, there is a clip, which shows a doll in a nightgown with angel wings. This could be a subtle hint that the children in the film are in fact dead, as this is only revealed at the end of the film. However, some reviews of The Others say that the film is predictable and many knew the characters were dead before it is actually revealed, and this could be why.

 

For looking into ideas of what we can do for our title sequence, I have looked at the Netflix original, Stranger Things, title sequence. Stranger Things is a television show about a mother who lives in a small town, whose son goes missing. When she launches an investigation into his disappearance with local authorities, it takes a mysterious turn as they find various mysteries involving government experiments and supernatural forces.

                                     

The title sequence for Stranger Things is very basic, and involves the letters of the title slowing

coming in from different sides of the screen in a slow manner, before it forms the title of the show. The font of the title sequence is in a red colour, which could convey the mysterious vibe.

 

The Stranger Things title sequence is good for inspiration of what we can do for our own title sequence, as it is short. The title sequence for our own film should be quite short, as our film is only five minutes long, therefore our title sequence cannot take up too much of the film.

 

Another film I have looked at is The Dark Knight, which is an action/thriller film. The film is set in the DC Universe of Batman, and involves Batman keeping a lid on the level of crime in Gotham City, along with the help of Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent. However, this becomes disturbed when a young criminal, who goes by the name of Joker throws the city into chaos. The title sequence for The Dark Knight is slightly long, however, at 2 minutes of screen time.

 

                                                            

The title sequence starts out with a figure looking at a picture in a photo frame. This could give a hint into the characters who are going to be in the film. While this shot is ongoing, there is also a manic laugh that can be slightly heard in the background.

                        

The text for the title sequence is simple, and shows the information on screen in a grey text.                

                        

As the title sequence progresses, the background noise begins to build, with the sound of a manic laugh, and the sound of a ticking clock grows, which is then shown on screen.

There is then a manic laugh, and non diegetic heavy music begins to play at a fast pace, which conveys the mood of the film, as The Dark Knight is an action, thriller film.