What is an opening sequence?

What is an opening sequence?

An opening sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilising conceptual visuals and sound.

Se7en - Opening Titles:

Dark lighting is used to create a eery setting followed by flashes of light come in to shock the viewer and build suspense. Creepy music is also used to build suspense and the pace of the music gradually increases as the clip goes on. The company credits and title credits are written in scruffy hand writing to build a scary atmosphere and build on tension. The opening sequence also gives us a very vague image of the scene that it is set in and the characters that will be appearing.

The Bourn Supremacy:

Dark lighting is used to build suspense and flashes of light appear on the screen to create the atmosphere of driving through a town at night, this helps to set the scene. Dramatic music is also playing in the background and this sets the scene of a very serious storyline. The title of the film flashes onto the screen in bold then slowly fades out letter by letter, this is used to build suspension and continue the atmosphere. We then see the main character in a room with dark lighting and we can hear quiet chimes in the background which builds on the tension of the scene.

Pixar's Up:

In this opening scene we are presented with a very colourful setting and this give the opening sequence an atmosphere of happiness and cheerfulness. The background music is also very cheery and old fashioned and the scene is very stereotypical to a typical love story and this causes the viewer to connect with the storyline. The music quickly fades to sadder music and the pace slows down as they find out they are unable to have a child but then slowly speeds up as they find a new passion and continues to gradually get slower and gentle as the characters get older.

Manhattan:

The sequence starts with old new jazz music to set the scene and helps the viewer to set the scene in their head. We are also presented with a black and white image of Manhattan which sets the scene. We are also shown all of the culture around New York which allows the viewer to think about what the movie may be about but we are given no specific clue as to what this movie is about. The music used is very dramatic and celebratory and brings an atmosphere of life to the opening sequence, by doing this the viewer instantly wants to be part of this life and celebration.

What all of these opening sequences have in common:

All of these opening sequences have music that sets the scene for the rest of the movie and builds the atmosphere for the film that follows. In each opening sequence lighting plays a large part in setting the scene and gives us an indication as to what will follow in the movie. Enigma is used in each of these opening sequences to create interest for the audience.