The first task we were given in this paper was to find opening sequences we think are worthwhile. These are the ones that have resonated with me.
Mad Men Opening Credits:
The silhouette effect is stylish and fits the tone of the show. The black and white falling through a world of coloured broken images gives a hint to the types of characters we might see - dark, disconnected, out of place. And the scene hints at the era and the kind of world that the show takes place in. The falling implies danger and a fall from grace.
Breaking Bad:
Immediately we know that this show has something to do with chemistry. I think this sequence utilises multiple screens well to convey character. These scenes are short and busy so nothing is given away too much but we are shown a range of images that are often confusing and conflicting. There are dramatic shots such as guns and drugs, but also tender shots of pregnancy and family which play with your expectations as an audience member. The names appear as part of the table and are so subtle that you barely notice them. The type of font seems somehow dirty, and gritty, whilst combined with the chemistry symbols which hints at what the show is about. The music is also dark and somehow dirty, with its drawn out string sounds - this also helps to set the tone of the show.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo:
This sequence is very dark and quite thrilling. The music is intense, and so are the images - we are thrown into a world of black but are never able to linger very long on the images. The liquid seems thick, like oil, and moves in a sinister manner. The images are quite abrupt and violent, and sometimes slow and sexy. There is a sensuality that pulls you in, like a masochistic indulgence. Initially it feels like quite an assault on the senses, but one critique I will make is that it does seem to go on for a while so the imagery loses much of its power after a while as you adjust to what you're seeing.
The silhouette effect is stylish and fits the tone of the show. The black and white falling through a world of coloured broken images gives a hint to the types of characters we might see - dark, disconnected, out of place. And the scene hints at the era and the kind of world that the show takes place in. The falling implies danger and a fall from grace.
Immediately we know that this show has something to do with chemistry. I think this sequence utilises multiple screens well to convey character. These scenes are short and busy so nothing is given away too much but we are shown a range of images that are often confusing and conflicting. There are dramatic shots such as guns and drugs, but also tender shots of pregnancy and family which play with your expectations as an audience member. The names appear as part of the table and are so subtle that you barely notice them. The type of font seems somehow dirty, and gritty, whilst combined with the chemistry symbols which hints at what the show is about. The music is also dark and somehow dirty, with its drawn out string sounds - this also helps to set the tone of the show.
This sequence is very dark and quite thrilling. The music is intense, and so are the images - we are thrown into a world of black but are never able to linger very long on the images. The liquid seems thick, like oil, and moves in a sinister manner. The images are quite abrupt and violent, and sometimes slow and sexy. There is a sensuality that pulls you in, like a masochistic indulgence. Initially it feels like quite an assault on the senses, but one critique I will make is that it does seem to go on for a while so the imagery loses much of its power after a while as you adjust to what you're seeing.
Amelie opening sequence:
I find these shots interesting because they are quirky. They capture an innocence and matter of fact perspective on the world that resonates with me. The voice over also reminds me of an old fashioned storyteller with emphasis and french flair.
The colour is unusually strong at points, and the old style film effect and soft piano at the end totally pull me into this world of self indulgence. I like the unusual lighting and odd angles of the shots, they are a refreshing change from conventional Hollywood techniques. I like the gentle and simple nature of this starting - it is not trying too hard to impress with graphics, and you don't feel bombarded by too much action.
Goldeneye opening credits:
I am a bit of a fan of the James Bond opening credits in general - they are often like works of art that celebrate the female form in a very tacky retro style. The music and imagery is always stylish and sexy, but at the same time utterly ridiculous and cheesy. They are often full of fluid motion - from the women but also the imagery of smoke, fire, oil and water.
The World is Not Enough is another great title sequence. I like the psychedelic nature of the imagery.
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