Title Research: Se7en

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?

Throughout the opening sequence of the film, "Se7en," a total of 40 titles appear. This titles portray the actors names, such as Brad Pitt, the major film studio, New Line Cinemas, and the director, Arnold Kopels.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence seem to a person planning out a crime or murder. The images that are prioritized feature effects such as scratched up frames and glitchy graphics. Towards the end of the opening sequence however, the film introduce the setting of a large city. This heavily contrasts the idea of planning out a murder.

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 what seems to be the planning out of a murder or a crime. Later on however, when the city is introduced it shows how this planner (likely the antagonist) fits in with everyday life. 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). Se7en follows these conventions and codes precisely. To begin with, Se7en makes use of suspenseful scenes that heighten the audiences emotions. Although, not action packed the antagonists intentions and planning of a crime or murder is introduced. In addition, contrasting points of view are introduced between the planning of the crime or murder and the peaceful/normal city. Furthermore, the opening sequence makes use of an eerie soundtrack creating suspense. 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 planning of a crime or murder. Additionally the images suggest the actual sophistication and intelligence of the planner as great depth is being put into the research/planning. The building of suspense allows the audience to become excited, and creates desire to see how the planner will commit his crime as he blends in everyday life. 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 casting of stars such as Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman ensure the film will reach its targeted audience. Some viewers are huge fans of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, and they are respected in the industry. As such, some audiences and viewers wish to see the film when it is released. In addition, this film's target audience is likely fans of thriller/horror movies. Strategies that are employed to have these viewers return include suspenseful scenes in the trailer and opening scene, an eerie soundtrack, and creepy prioritized images. These factors combine together to excite the audience and make them crave to continue watching the movie to see what happens in the movie.

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. Research indicates that this opening sequence took 1-2 months to produce. 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. Finally the close ups of the planning heighten the suspense of the opening sequence. Overall, the movie makes great use of technology which contributes to the films success in the box office.

Title Research: The Reaping

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?

Throughout the opening sequence of the film, "The Reaping," a total of 23 titles appear. This titles portray the actors names, such as Hillary Swank, the major film studio, Warner Bros, and other subsidiaries, such as Dark Castle Entertainment.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence are very vague and confusing. For example things like leaves, pepper, salt, and frog legs were all shown. Although, these images are very vague they may mean something later on in the plot of the story.

What connotations do the images carry?

 The images that appear in the opening sequence of the movie, have a very mysterious and vague connotation. As mentioned, tiny objects like pepper, salt, leaves, and frog legs were shown, instead of your more traditional images. However, they still accomplished the same goal of establishing a mysterious and vague 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). The Reaping does not follow these conventions and codes precisely. To begin with, The Reaping uses mysterious objects such as salt, pepper, frog legs and leaves to establish a mysterious tone, rather than a suspenseful one. In addition, dynamic points of view are introduced between the objects rather than a protagonist/antagonist. Overall, the films decision to not follow the conventions of the thriller genre still accomplishes the same objectives, such as heightening the audiences emotions.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The opening sequence is able to establish an enigma from the very beginning when strange objects such as leaves, salt, pepper, and frog legs are shown. This mysterious objects may hint at the events in the plot that are come, however the audience is uncertain. The combination of the strange objects and not revealing details of the plot the opening sequence all contribute to establishing an enigma.

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

"The Reaping," is the first and only movie regarding the stories plot, suggesting that audiences may have not been familiar with the movie when it premiered in the box office. However, the untraditional elements used in the opening sequence suggests that thriller and horror fans alike may enjoy this movie. The opening sequence shifted from the colors black/red in a repeating fashion, and introduced strange objects such as salt, pepper, frog legs, and leaves. This created a mysterious and vague connotation to the opening sequence, exciting the audience as they are kept in the dark regarding the plot. Combined with the music, editing, and mis-en-scene, the movie The Reaping is able to ensure the film attracts its targeted audience.

How has technology been used effectively?

Technology has been used effectively through the development of an interesting sound track that provokes audiences emotions. Throughout the opening sequence, the song is played establishing a creepy and eerie tone. Another important aspect of how technology was used effectively, is the editing techniques used. The fade ins/outs from black to red contribute to the opening sequences already mysterious and vague tone. Finally, the use of camera angles, movements, and shots were a way technology was used effectively. Although the prioritized images weren't exactly revealing about the plot, low angles are mostly used to show the mysterious items. Overall, although this movie choose not to follow the conventions and codes of a thriller movie, it may prove very useful if I choose not to use them as well.

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.

Title Research: Mission Impossible - Fallout

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?
Throughout the opening sequence of the film, "Mission Impossible - Fallout," a total of 15 titles appear. This titles portray the actors names, such as Tom Cruise, the major film studio, Paramount Pictures, and other subsidiaries, such as Skyline Pictures.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images that are prioritized in the opening sequence are largely the characters. This includes Tom Cruise, Sean Harris, Simon Pegg and Alec Baldwin. The images also introduce settings on events that may occur in the film. For example, during the opening sequence a helicopter crash can be observed.

What connotations do the images carry?
 The images that appear in the opening sequence of the movie, have a very broad connotation of being suspenseful. Hand to hand combat, weapons, helicopter crashes and high speed chases are some of the very many action-packed images that can be seen. Additionally, there is a very fast pace to the titles and images. This may signify that the protagonist will be racing to save the day or defeat the antagonist.

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 action packed scenes, multiple perspectives, weapons/fast vehicles as props, fast edits, etc. The opening sequence of Mission Impossible reinforces genre by following the conventions of thrillers. To begin with, it is obviously apparent that the movie will contain action packed/suspenseful scenes through the strong edits and prioritized images. Also, the opening sequence introduces many characters (although not as protagonists and antagonists), hinting at the idea of multiple perspectives in the film. The props used include motorcycles and helicopters, which can travel as extreme speeds, as well as, weapons such as guns and knifes. Finally, the fast edits tie the cuts between characters together keeping the audience following along.

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 include high speed chases, fight scenes, helicopter crashes, and timers. These choice of images intrigue the audience and makes the audience want to continue watching the film. The audience is excited to see how these events will contribute to the protagonist either completing their goals or fail trying. 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 James Bond franchise is a well known franchise of films that have developed a lot of revenue in the box office. 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 action seeking viewers. Strategies that are employed to have these viewers return include using the original cast, for example Tom Cruise as James Bond, action scenes in the trailer and opening scene, and a suspenseful sound track. These factors combine together to excite the audience and make them crave to continue watching the movie to see what happens next.

How has technology been used effectively?

Technology has been used effectively through the fast paced 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 fast paced editing that would have taken a long period of time to complete. Fire effects, quick jump cuts, and dynamic color grading all contribute to the opening sequences suspenseful connotation, which is why i believe technology was used effectively. As another example, the development of the suspenseful sound was a very effective use of technology. It is a fan favorite and is often thought of in a suspenseful situation with high risk and high reward. This name/song recognition encourages audiences to go see the film while it is still at the box office increasing sales. 

Title Research: Watch the Titles Website

According to Watch the Titles about page, "Forget the Film, Watch the Titles! is a project dedicated to the art of title design and its creators. Launched in 2006, the recently renewed website features a growing collection of over 200 title sequences and behind-the-scenes content, offering a unique glimpse into the people, ideas and processes behind their creation." Watch the Titles is large website consisting of numerous blockbuster, television, and movie opening sequences. Some examples of the films that can be found include Rango, Ricochet, Terminator, Godzilla, and Rudolph.

 
The site also offers insight on the people, the processes, and the results of some opening sequence. A main source of the information given can be obtained through the interviews provided. For instance, on the sites homepage they have interviews with Kyle Cooper, Daniel Kleinman, Laurent Brett, Man vs Machine, Michael Riley, and Danny Yount. In part one of the interview with Kyle Cooper, "the acclaimed title designer, art director, and filmmaker" discussed composition, his fondness of handmade things, and the titles he contributed to. The main titles he mentioned are Darkness Falls, Se7en and Spiderman 2. In part two of the interview with Kyle Cooper, he analyzes and discusses "integrated typography." He also mentions another 3 "classic titles" that he contributed to including The Dead Zone, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Walk on the Wild Side. Overall, Kyle Cooper is a highly reputable and experienced in the film industry, and is credited with "single-handedly" re-energizing the art of the title screen.

Overall, the site Watch the Titles has been very useful in constructing an idea of what makes the titles a form of art. This can be seen from the series of examples provided and the interviews of the main figures in title design. I believe this site will be very useful in constructing my Final Task.

Title Research: Art of the Title Website

Art of the Title is a website which is available for anyone, in which you, the viewer, can watch opening sequences to movies. On their homepage, they list their top 10 best opening sequences of 2019 in forms of media such as film, television, animation, video games, events, and conferences. The website claims that these opening sequences were selected by "originality and innovation, impact, atmosphere, relevance to subject matter, and technique." Their list went as follows:

10. The Politician.
9. Control.
8. Down the Rabbit Hole.
7. Good Omens.
6. Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.
5. Vox Lux.
4. Dickinson.
3. Climax.
2. Spring 2019 Apple Event.
1. Paris est a nous (Paris is Us).

According to the website Paris est a nous has the best opening sequence of movies that came out in 2019. Paris est a nous is a Netflix Original Series in France that was the director's, Elizabeth Volger, debut feature. The website claims the underlying meaning of this opening sequences "embodies indecision and abstract searching." The "noisy textures and indefinite shapes abound, encouraging ideas of human forms, intimacy and distance," all contribute to this underlying theme. Regarding the colors later on, the opening sequence makes use of dark reds with contrasting bright yellows to form shapes that resemble irises. Overall, the opening sequence is simplistic but has very much an underlying meaning, and I agree with its selection as number one opening sequence.

In addition to the list of 2019's best opening, sequences the website also gives the viewer the ability to watch other movies opening sequences. Some movies that you could preview include Split and Aquaman. The website highlights key qualities that makes the opening sequence/titles better than other movies. Overall, the website will be very useful in constructing my opening sequence because it highlights key attributes and features of good opening sequences, that will be useful in constructing my opening sequence.

Genre Research: Fury

According to Rotten Tomatoes, "April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany." Throughout the movie various camera angles and movements are utilized to create an action packed movie. For example, various two-three shots are used to create a sense of amount of Ally tanks that are needed in order to destroy one Axis tank. As another example, many many medium-long shots are used to demonstrate the devastation of war. Dead bodies with severe injuries can be seen throughout the movie. Another important aspect of the movie is the mis-en-scene, such as the costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and settings. The costumes in the movie are worn down, army issued attire. This is to signify the main characters experience with war and the ongoing conflict they face. The lightning in the movie can be murky at times while at other times smokey to demonstrate the destruction war can bring. The makeup is meant to resemble uncleanliness and dirt as these men have been in conflict for a long time. Also, the actors are meant to represent soldiers that are being sent to Europe to fight the Nazis. As such, the actors range in age and health, some older and stronger (likely in the military for sometime) while others are young and thin (likely drafted during this time period). Finally the props and settings are meant to resemble a World War 2 battlefield. The setting is typically wilderness, obliterated by fire and artillery fire, and the main characters use props such as machine guns, pistols, knifes, tanks, and grenades. Furthermore, another important aspect of this film and thriller genre is the sound used. This movie makes use of loud sound effects such as artillery fire or troops marching. The dialogue also contributes to the plot development of the story by revealing the experiences/moral of the soldiers fighting in their conflict. Finally, the editing contributes to the action packed scenes throughout the movie. For instance, a shot-reverse-shot is used during a tank stand off in which 3 allied tanks fight a German tank. In the end, the German tank is defeated, but not without heavy losses of 2 other tanks.

In summary, the movie "Fury," follows the conventions and codes of the thriller genre. The movie makes use of action packed scenes, a dynamic points of view, a stronger antagonist compared to the protagonists, and loud sound effects (ex. artillery fire). These elements all help to contribute to the movies fast pace and action packed plot. This fast pace combined with the action packed scenes keep audiences interested and wanting more. Fury makes use of many elements of thrillers that I love such as the suspenseful plot structure, loud sound effects, and visceral battle scenes. However, there are some elements of the movie that I do not like. Some additions to the mis-en-scene could have been added to make the movie more historically correct, and additional editing would have made the movie more suspenseful. Overall, Fury was an action packed thrill movie that will contribute significantly to me producing my Final Task. I recommend Fury to any war movie lover.