Credit sequences (4)

     I researched some credit scenes to deepen my knowledge on film opening. I wish to prepare myself the best I can before starting to film. One way I can do this is research these credit sequences. This will help greatly when I create my storyboard as I can include my ideas for the credit sequence of my opening film. I analyzed each sequence in depth, taking notes and then organizing my thoughts on each sequence. As my group discusses further, we keep brainstorming most of our film ideas that fall under a mix of coming-of-age and thriller. Since we have these two genres combined, I decided to research both. Two thriller and one coming of age. 

 "Zodiac" (2007)

    The first credit sequence I researched is from the movie "Zodiac" a thriller movie made in 2007. Directed by David Fincher, the credit sequence starts by zooming in on San Francisco, suggesting this is where the film will take place. This is significant die to the film being based on killing in a certain area, establishing the location first thing was important. Especially since this is based on a true story. Next, we see the main character getting his kid ready for school. Knowing this is a thriller film, the opening credits sequence seemingly being so calm is off putting. Making the main character so humanized like he could do nothing wrong. This suggests the psychological part of the movie.

    The typography was simple and neat. The lettering is modern but not overly fancy, taking away from the visuals. This type of font complimented the visuals well as it did not draw your eye to the lettering, yet lets the viewer focus on the images that create a tone of mystery. The lettering fades and it turns into these symbols that foreshadows the killers use of zodiac symbols later in the film. It is simple, but an important and msart detail made to the credits. This suggests the theme of the film, a psychological thriller with many misleads.

 "Shutter Island" (2010)

    Shutter Island, a thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese has an important credit sequence that relates to the film and sets the tone for the eerie beginnings. There is an image of the island in the credit scene. This image is foggy and eerie, setting the tone of isolation of this island. The switch between each visual either having the camera zooming or panning and the camera being still and the visual it is on is moving like the foot stepping on the metal gun keeps the audience engaged as no visual is similar right after the other. As well as many of the visuals confusing and arising question in the viewer. For example, the spiraling staircase with the camera circling 360 degrees. This confuses the viewer, giving a hallucination effect. In addition, there is an extreme close up of a person's foot stepping on a gun, causing the audience to question who will die.

    The next visuals of fire, darkness, and chains, create a feeling of vulnerability and fear in the audience. This is also where the audience would establish this as a thriller film based on all the darkness mixed with the sound. The sound increasingly gets more intense and loud as the visuals carry on and get darker. The deepness in the base of the sound increases the audiences adrenaline. As a beat drops in the music, we see a person lighting a match, once again another fire visual. This makes the audience question if the fire is significant as well as create fear of the unknown as the audience now has no idea what is going on or what this character will do with the gun and fire. 

    The text is barely noticable, as for this credit sequence the visuals and sound take away from looking at the typography. This is on purpose, as the letters are not too big, fade in and out seamlessly, and are a standard font. The font being not flashy or distracting keeps the tone eerie, as the viewer anticipatedly watches the sequences imagery. 

    

 "The perks of being a wallflower"    (2012)

    "The perks of beings a Wallflower" is a coming of age film directed by Stephen Chbosky. This films opening credits sequence consists of upbeat music with mainly guitar notes. This instrument based music gives a young and happy tone to the start of the film. There are images of what seems to be a handheld camera, making the scenes feel immature or young. this is very suiting for a coming of age film seeing as they would be teenagers. There is light lighting, complimenting the upbeat music. The visuals are on a road, most likely representing the adventures of teenage years. 

    The font is typewriter, giving a more personal appeal. They are not flashy or over consuming of the attention for the sequence. Just subtle yet very suiting. The typewriter font represents the main character's personality that we see soon in the frame. There is a voiceover of the main character. This gives the audience insight to his personal feelings, leaving the audience feelings. deeper connection with the main character. The main character is sitting alone in his room. This leaves us with an introduction to the main characters isolated life and interest in writing, being vulnerable, and sharing his thoughts with the audience.