Analysis Of A Title Sequence (Individual)

This is how the title of the film is presented towards the beginning of the film which shows their title, cast members, key production and their visuals and sound. The title sequence often sets up the entire film and gives the audience an idea of what they are in for. For this reason they are often elaborate and it has been around since the 1930's starting with Show Boat in 1936.

The music in the background of a title sequence can also show what kind of film they are in for. In supernatural horror it is often a low and sinister tone which can include screams or a growling sound which the audience will automatically associate with a supernatural horror. The font and color of the words can also represent the meaning of the film. If the words are black that represents darkness and isolation whilst red would represent blood and danger.

The Shinning (1980)

The Shinning is a classic example of a supernatural horror opening as the music in the background is representative of that genre. Because of the low pitch music at the beginning it builds up the tension in the audience as it appears as though it is leading up to something. As the strange high pitched noises come in it makes the audience feel afraid for what is going to happen to the family which is also added to by the voices that sound almost like screaming as well as an almost eerie laugh. The score is very unnerving which sets up the rest of the film perfectly.

Because the camera is following the car from a birds eye perspective it makes the audience feel as though the car and the family in it are very vulnerable giving the audience as sense of foreboding as it foreshadows the rest of the film. Due to the large landscapes and narrow roads it gives an ominous mood as the idea of isolation is very clear especially as it ends with the dark hotel in the middle of nowhere. The first shot shows a lake with a small island immediately making the mise en scene a juxtaposition of a beautiful thing with an idea of isolation and mystery.

 The car which is the main focus of the opening sequence shows it is important to the film as a whole as the birds eye perspective move to follow it. The color of the car is a contrast to the rest of the opening sequence as it is yellow which often symbolizes the sun and happiness making it stick out in a supernatural horror film.

Unusually the credits are rolling upwards instead of appearing which is usually what happens at the end of a film rather than at the beginning of a film. This may cause the audience to see a cyclical structure which may give a sense of foreboding as the audience may see this as an idea of isolation and there is no escape.

The text is a light blue color which gives the impression of cold and ice just like the mountains have on top of them. This once again pushes the idea of isolation but also being cold hearted which may be foreshadowing the rest of the film.