Types of Film Openings

There are 4 types of film openings with each creating different effects on the audience whether being good or bad, these are:

• A narrative opening with the titles opening throughout

"Trainspotting", Renton

This type of opening is used to introduce a character while the audience is watching, the credits are associated with the actors. During this type of opening, the audience may hear the narrative voice of the character. In "Trainspotting", we meet a Renton, the audience is quick to realise that the narrative voice is his as his character is first to be introduced.Also the narrative voice is parallel to the character who is seen in the shot. During the start of the opening scene the camera is focused on Renton, which illustrates that Renton may be a key character. Sound in the opening scene is key as the non digetic music which is upbeat and lively may be representation of Renton's life also his accent allows the audience to understand where he is from. This allows the audience to interact and relate with Renton.

• A discrete title sequence

Discrete titles sequences are usually heavily edited with fast paced transitions to unexpected filters which create a sense of confusion. This sequence often includes subtle clues from the film, these clues could be related to the location, the plot, the climax or anything in particular. However due to so many clues, the opening sequence would leave the audience bewildered and intrigued to get into the plot of the film. 

A great example of a discrete title sequence would have to be the film "Se7en", the opening sequence creates a creepy and ominous atmosphere from the help of the eerie music and screechy sounds. The opening has shots of the clues; drawn hands, a book being turned ominously, the semantic field of death which comes from the colour red and credits which are in between clues. All these clues may be fundamental to the plot of the film so the audience can create a perception of what to expect. However the "clues" could be used to throw the audience right off the plot of the film, so when the audience encounters the climax they will be surprised.

• Titles over a blank screen

Titles over a blanks screen are probably the worst opening sequence as they don't create a good atmosphere and are pretty boring to watch. These openings normally consists of a plain background with text related to the movie such as production companies or directors. An example of one is from "Shutter Island", the opening sequence is about 30 seconds long which only has a black background and wordart. Luckily for the audience, they wont be bored to death as the length of the opening is short due to the lack of "clues", although the films plot will not get ruined from the clues.

• A stylized editing

 Stylized edited openings are similar to discrete title sequences however a stylized editing takes more times during post production and doesn't include many clues. The opening is heavily edited and has transmissions, 3D text, filters, music parallel to the pace and a lot more. Due to the heavy editing the audience may be drawn to the screen as the opening creates an adrenaline rush or leaves the audiences wanting more. A great example of a stylized edit is "The Taking of Pelham 123", the film consists of a change in pace which causes a shift in the audiences liveliness and has tonnes of editing which is  all parallel to the upbeat and lively music. At the beginning of the opening the pace is nice and slow but has editing along with credits. However once the upbeat and lively music plays, the pace is fast and everything is sped up which would put the audience on the edge of their seat. Lastly the opening also focuses on certain individuals which may or not be in the plot and establishes the location which is New York.