Features of an Effective Opening Title Sequence
The aim of an Opening Title Sequence should be to leave the viewer full of excitement & interest, ultimately eager to see the movie through, and curious as to how the story will play out. When it comes to the opening sequence, the first four or five minutes might be some of the most important. If the opening credits to a film bore the audience, viewers wouldn't be likely to want to watch on. If the opening sequence is gripping & exciting however, the audience will be managed to be kept on the edge of their seat, eager to delve further into the film and its plot.
These are some of the conventional horror cliche's that writers use to portray a horror scene in an opening sequence:
-Having suspense built within an opening via the use of unsettling music, fabricating an uncomfortable situation.
-Being in an isolated area, showing that the victim has nowhere to go and is in an essential vulnerable position.
-Having 'fake scares' during the opening creates tension and builds suspense, keeping the viewer weary and on edge.
-During he begining of many horror films, the character(s) often mention and joke about a past event that has happened, giving a sense of irony as later on in the film, it becomes a reality.
MM, BB, SG, JL
18/09/14
These are some of the conventional horror cliche's that writers use to portray a horror scene in an opening sequence:
-Having suspense built within an opening via the use of unsettling music, fabricating an uncomfortable situation.
-Being in an isolated area, showing that the victim has nowhere to go and is in an essential vulnerable position.
-Having 'fake scares' during the opening creates tension and builds suspense, keeping the viewer weary and on edge.
-During he begining of many horror films, the character(s) often mention and joke about a past event that has happened, giving a sense of irony as later on in the film, it becomes a reality.
MM, BB, SG, JL
18/09/14
The Woman In Black (2012)
Directed by James Watkins
Written by Jane Goldman
In the opening title sequence of 'The Woman In Black', the writer builds tension by using unsettling music and is complimented by the little girls playing with creepy dolls. The audience then feels confused and is on edge as the girls walk towards the window and jump, as if they were possessed. This gets the viewers involved and gets them asking questions. At the end of the opening scene we get a slight view of what we assume is 'The Woman In Black'.
BB
19/09/14
BB
19/09/14
THEM (2006)
Directed & Written by
David Moreau & Xavier Palud
The opening sequence in 'THEM' has a lot of similarities to other horror films. For example, the two people getting separated at the start, and things going from bad to worse as soon as this happens. The audience can feel this form the music that makes them very unsettled. The girl is alone in the middle of nowhere, its dark and starting to rain, and she and the audience both have no idea what could be out there. This creates a kind of connection as neither her or the audience know what to expect, putting everyone on edge.
SG
22/09/14
SG
22/09/14
Zombieland (2009)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick
The Opening Title Sequence in Zombieland, a zombie-horror comedy, is much more light hearted and laughable than most other horror films. Throughout the entire OTS, For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica plays, giving the scenario of a zombie apocalypse that much more of a comedic value. Zombies, which for the most part appear funny in the means of being naked or wearing ridiculous clothing, are seen chasing people in slow-motion. A sort of cameo also makes an appearance, when what appears to be Scar Face is seen in his iconic pose, shooting a machine gun. The comedic value of this is that a zombie is running up behind him, unfortunately to his unawareness. Lastly, the OTS finishes with a spine-chilling bell ring, synced up with a zombie crashing into a car windshield, having an effect on the 'director' title, as with the other titles shown throughout the entire OTS.
JL
19/09/14
JL
19/09/14
The Ring (2002)
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Written by Ehren Kruger
In the opening sequence of the film 'The Ring', there are many classical horror cliches that appear. When the two sisters are beginning to realize the reality of the murderous tape, conventional events start taking place. Like When the phone rings after the death talk of this unheard tape, doors awkwardly opening and the fridge door opening then closing. When all of these combine you have a gripping suspense set up for a great movie.
MM
18/09/14
MM
18/09/14