Many components make up conventional film openings, and these can be enhanced or avoided to create different effects.
Sound is one of the key aspects of film openings, and its presence or lack of presence greatly impacts how the audience interpret the images presented. Halloween(1978) uses non-diegetic sound to increase tension and establish it's horror genre. The opening sequence is shot from the point of view of the film's protagonist, which acts as a connection between the audience and the action on the screen, strengthening the horror, whilst the restricted framing also emphasises the tense and frightening nature of the film. Repetitive piano music plays in the background of the opening, occasionally interrupted by a piercingly loud high pitched noise and clock chimes. Layering of audio is common in film openings. On the diagram on the left, the first high pitch noise interval is depicted, and in response the tension of the piece heightened. Significant images such as the pumpkin, knife and surrounding darkness also contribute to the horror feel of the opening. Towards the end of the sequence, the diegetic sound of the protagonist's heavy breathing is introduced which further intensifies the eery atmosphere.
Typically, the opening of a film establishes the colour palette, which is depicted particularly well in Amelie. After the title screen appears there are a series of shots showing a young girl doing various childlike things, such as eating strawberries off her fingers, which are saturated in yellowy green tones. This is all outlined on the diagram shown on the right. The flashes of light and enhanced diegetic sound result in a dreamlike and intriguing sequence, hinting at the films comedic and alternate nature. The extreme close ups of the girl establish her as the film's protagonist, and the fast editing capture's the audience's curiosity.
Sometimes films, such as Trainspotting, contradict the usual codes and conventions of film openings and become non-conventional. This particular film opening uses still images to juxtapose fast paced editing, upbeat music and a voice over that coordinates with the images on the screen. The stills are deployed to introduce characters and be a background for the credits. Unlike the other openings studied, the beginning of Trainspotting cuts straight into action, a low angle shot of feet running, which is shown on the diagram to the left. There are instances of diegetic sound, such as a car screeching to a halt.
In conclusion, film openings use a variety of methods to increase audience interest, manipulate emotions and set the tone of the film; the main aspects being the pace of editing, colour grading and sound (or lack of it).
Sound is one of the key aspects of film openings, and its presence or lack of presence greatly impacts how the audience interpret the images presented. Halloween(1978) uses non-diegetic sound to increase tension and establish it's horror genre. The opening sequence is shot from the point of view of the film's protagonist, which acts as a connection between the audience and the action on the screen, strengthening the horror, whilst the restricted framing also emphasises the tense and frightening nature of the film. Repetitive piano music plays in the background of the opening, occasionally interrupted by a piercingly loud high pitched noise and clock chimes. Layering of audio is common in film openings. On the diagram on the left, the first high pitch noise interval is depicted, and in response the tension of the piece heightened. Significant images such as the pumpkin, knife and surrounding darkness also contribute to the horror feel of the opening. Towards the end of the sequence, the diegetic sound of the protagonist's heavy breathing is introduced which further intensifies the eery atmosphere.
