Structure of Thriller Openings

We learnt about the different types of film openings: 

1) A narrative opening with titles running throughout

The opening title sequence of The Shining. The film opening follows the conventions of a narrative opening.
The opening gives the audience information about the film immediately. We can see someone driving towards a mountain with the use of a bird's eye view. This makes it seem as though the person is being watched on. The audience immediately know where the film is set.


Like: the audience are shown where the film is set.
Dislike: the blue running titles over the footage and the font which seems
to have no relevance at all to the film.

2) A discrete title sequence

Se7en uses a discrete title sequence.
The opening is not part of the film and is individually it's own piece. The audience are not told the setting of the film but are given little peeks of scenes which may be linked to the actual film. The film does not carry on from the end of the opening credits.


Like: the extreme close-ups of the objects and the quality of the footage.
Dislike: the font seems quite unclear however the font style looks quite spooky and mysterious.

3) Titles over a blank screen, followed by narrative opening

Donnie Darko is a great example of using both titles over a dark screen as well as a narrative opening.


Like: the simplicity of the entire piece. The character simply riding his bike sets the scene
and familiarises the audience with the characters.
Dislike: the footage seemed fairly dark and the opening, quite slow.

4) And what we call 'Stylised' opening structure with heavy editing

The taking of Pelham 123 uses what we have called a 'stylised' opening. It involves using very heavy and detailed edits and effects.

Like: the text blends into the film footage as if it is there. Required very intricate work and a lot of planning.