Analysing thiller titles- Stephen

Brighton Rock

In the beginning title sequence to Brighton Rock we are thrown straight to the ambience of a thriller genre, with appropriate ambient sounds. The non-diegetic sounds of fog horns and the faint sound of water running create a somewhat ominous feeling; backed up by the black screen. Additionally, the title screens imagery- the studio’s name shrouded in fog- creates a visual effect which further adds to the ominous feeling of the opening. Fog usually entitles a hidden mystery- an enigma- which could have been used to foreshadow a coming twist. Additionally, this edited effect can be seen as an appropriate way to set the setting: A foggy town, shrouded in hidden mysteries and secrets. Finally, in the title screen again, we witness the name of the film show up- but it is being hidden by the fog; only being illuminated by a lighthouse.  The fog is definitely something to consider for our title sequence; and the illuminating title would be a nice added detail. Both would feature appropriately in our plot; some of the film will be taken in a 'cold winter' setting, and other parts in a dark room that needs illuminating.  

 

Europa report

Seconds before we see the title of the film the editing effects relay the atmosphere of the film; frantic. There are several shots appearing then disappearing within milliseconds of one another, contributing to the atmosphere of the film in a very detailed way. The title itself shows a militaristic vibe; giving an idea of the plot and setting of the film. The background is black, done to give a dark contrast- both metaphorically and literally- to the otherwise bright opening. Additionally, the blackness reflects darkness of space. The font of the title also gives a scientific feeling, and through it we understand that this was a very serious mission that the characters were going on. This feeling would make a great opening to a plot- yet it is more than a few minutes into the film when we see it. This placement surprises the audience, who were expecting a title sequence after the institutional information. This effect causes the audience to reflect on what happened before and after the title appears; focusing on the drama that unfolds around the title. If our film was to last longer than two minutes it would be a great idea to place the titles between two dramatically changing points of the plot- causing the audience to actually think about what has happened in the plot instead of just watching it and expecting it to unfold for them. After the title cuts back to the plot; we get a flashback to six months prior. This additional plot information shows the time, something that is essential in thriller films (How quick something happens can surprise the viewer and additionally how slow the opening is can lead to a false sense of security.)


Super 8

The title screen of the film appears straight after the production company's titles. The title appears from darkness; illuminating from the 'pe' outwards. This effect is much like that of the 'Super 8' camera, central to the plot of the film. This effect also leaves part of the title darker than the others- perhaps reflecting that part of the film will be much darker than other parts. The colours contrast perfectly; the white lettering upon the black background which create a sense of clarity- foreshadowing a plot point, perhaps? Furthermore, the sense of illumination can also reflect on that upon the mind- being enlightened- which could also be a direct part of the films plot. The title sequence ends after a few seconds, going straight into the depressing plot. The reason for this could be so not to interrupt the plot; allowing the depressing ambiance to flow seamlessly through the sequence, keeping the suspense upon the viewer.  The shortness of the opening can foresee the restricted narration of the film; how most shots are short and designed to thrill the viewer.