Title Research: Split

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?
Throughout the opening sequence of the film, "Split," a total of 23 titles appear. This titles portray the actors names, such as James Mcavoy, the major film studio, Universal Pictures, and other subsidiaries, such as Blind Edge Pictures.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence are from the characters hazy and terrifying experience while unconscious. In these scene, it is depicted that the character is being rolled down an eerily lit tunnel/hallway split up with the titles. The titles are placed on a black background, using a large white Helvectia font. Later on, the character is laid down in a dark room and seems to begin regaining consciousness.

What connotations do the images carry?
 The images that appear in the opening sequence of the movie, have a very dark and sinister connotation. The opening sequence provided insight into this fragmented character with his unstable mental capacity. In addition, to introducing the antagonists unstable state of mind, another character is introduced, however she appears unconscious. This signifies how the antagonist is being influenced by his fragmented personality, and his willingness to commit a crime abnormal. These suspenseful scenes, combined with the creepy sound track all contribute to the films dark and sinister connotation.

How is genre reinforced through the symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
Thriller is a genre of fiction, having numerous, often overlapping sub genres. Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety. Conventions of thriller include suspenseful scenes, dynamic points of view, loud sound effects, and sharp edits (such as jumpcuts). Split follows these conventions and codes precisely. To begin with, Split makes use of suspenseful scenes that heighten the audiences emotions. Although, not action packed the antagonists fragmented state of mind combined with the girls unconsciousness, builds suspense. In addition, 
dynamic points of view are introduced between the characters two states of mind and the character that is unconscious. Furthermore, the opening sequence makes use of loud sound effects, creating suspense, as well as, and eerie sound track. Finally, the opening sequence uses editing techniques such as jump cuts and cut backs. Overall, the films use of thriller genre conventions heightens the audiences emotions, successfully completing the objective of the genre. 

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The opening sequence is able to establish an enigma, through the introduction of key plot events that will lead to the climax of the story. For instance, throughout the opening sequence, images that are prioritized depict the antagonists's fragmented state of mind and the characters unconscious, hints that a crime has or will be committed. Additionally the images suggest the actual demise/death of the character. The building of suspense allows the audience to become excited, and creates desire to see how the unconscious girl will either be harmed or escape . However, since the climax of the film is not introduced this leaves the audience confused, establishing an enigma.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The Unbreakable franchise is a well known franchise of films that have developed a lot of revenue in the box office. The trilogy consists of Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), and Glass (2019). As such, some audiences and viewers become such fans, they wish to see the next film when it is released. This film's target audience is likely previous fans or fans of thriller/horror movies. Strategies that are employed to have these viewers return include using the original cast, for example James Mcavoy and Bruce Willis, suspenseful scenes in the trailer and opening scene, and an eerie soundtrack. These factors combine together to excite the audience and make them crave to continue watching the movie to see what happens in the movie, and the movies to follow.

How has technology been used effectively?

Technology has been used effectively through the jump editing, development of suspenseful sound, as well as, camera angles/movements that imply certain meanings to the audience. To begin with, the opening sequence of the film has very quick and jumpy editing that would have taken a long period of time to complete. The techniques such as jump cuts and cut backs all contribute to the films dark and sinister connotation. As another example, the development of the suspenseful sound was a very effective use of technology. It heightens the audiences emotions contributes to their desire to continue watching, bringing in revenue. Finally the camera tracking the antagonist rolling the character while she in unconscious allows the audience to create a sense of what is to come throughout the plot of the movie. Overall, the movie makes great use of technology which contributes to the films success in the box office.