The Structure of Thriller Openings.

In today's lesson we learnt that there 3 different types of structures that film makers tends follow:

1. A narrative opening with the titles running thoughout
2. A discrete title sequence
3. Titles over a blank screen, followed by the narrative opening. 
4. .. Or a 'stylized editting' opening structure. 

The Shining (1980) follows narrative opening with the titles running thoughout.

Set up the story straight away, a car during into the distance, a very long journey because of the long title sequence opening. Birds eye view camera angle: Eagle (predator) trapping its prey. The high angle of the camera gives it a 'someone is following and watching' effect.

We have identity the narrative of the story: a man driving up to a hotel for an interview. Overall, the opening structure is very dull. However, there is a lot of narrative once analysed in detailed.

Se7en (1995) follows a discrete title sequence. A discrete title sequence features a stylised and heavy editted and the sequence is not part of the actual film itself.

stylish and discrete.

 Watching the opening sequence to Se7en, it tells us the state of mind of the character. The title sequence
is also shot in all extreme close up.

Donnie Darko (2001) has the titles over a blank screen, followed by a narrative opening. 
The tile sequence for Donnie Darko is extremely long and boring. However, title sequences are not ment to be exciting, the movie is supposed to escalate and building up into something exciting. Choosing this particular opening structure requires a critical soundtrack.




Stylized Editing is the fourth structure and The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 follows the structure. Edits are very sophisticated and the style of editing usually links to the film. Stylized Editing definitely requires more time in the Editing room than filming and every shot must be planned out!

The high speed editing and fast moving motion reflects the exciting thriller.

Out of all of the title sequences, I personally like the concept of a Stylized Editing opening because it looks sophisticated, not too clique and the editing can reflect the film!