RESEARCH: Examples of how conventions of film openings is followed.

I researched some other thriller openings and found that 'Donnie Darko' followed the conventions of a film opening.

Titles:
These appeared first, in comparison to some other openings where they appear during the opening sequence. They showed the production company and director but did not show the names of the cast. At the end of the opening the film's name was shown (shown on the right).

The distribution companies of this film were Newmarket Films and Pandora Cinema, the company ident's were shown before the opening of Donnie Darko and can be seen on the left.


The mood:
The use of low key lighting adds to the feel of the film, the mood appears to be very sinister, this is reinforced by the performance and non-diegetic sound.

Insight:
Jake Gyllenhaal's performance helps to give an insight into his character without revealing any information about him. The location is also shown, although it is not clear where exactly the narrative is set, it seems to be in a rural area, this is also reinforced by the sound of birds which can be heard under the music.

Sound:
Although the music in the opening sequence is unlike some more obvious choices for a thriller, it is still used to suggest that something bad will happen during the film as it helps to build tension so that the audience are intrigued to what will happen next.