Task 9 - Categorising Title Sequences

Title Sequences - Categorising Them

• There are four different categories of title sequences that can be identified

• Which 2 categories are most important for us to look at?

The 2 categories in which are the most important for us to look at are titles over moving images and titles using animation or motion. 

1. Narrative Title Sequences:

- With this type of title sequence, titles are integrated into the moving images in some way and begin as the film itself begins. For example, with the film The Shining the title sequence was quite mysterious as it constantly was either in a deserted area or consisted of a long road with just one car on it. However, with this title sequence I found that it was quite basic and out of the ordinary as they were in a basic font with them being turquoise and the music didn't quite suit the mysteriousness with the road and other moving images. 

2. Discrete Title Sequences:

- This type of title sequence has titles being integrated without the plot being clear to the audience. This means that its only purpose is to set the tone of the movie without giving too much away to the viewers so they can be in for a treat and react in the way they are supposed to react during those "ahh" moments in films. For example, in the title sequence of the film Seven the music is the main source which sets the tone and genre of the film without the audience knowing the plot too much. For someone who has never seen the movie the moving images used in the title sequence can be quite confusing as they cannot make a link between this and the film. The titles have the classic sequence type which is white text over black background which in its own way can be quite effective.

3. Stylised Title Sequences:

- This type of title sequence is highly stylised and can be described as a mixture of the 2 sub-categories mentioned above. This effect of this is to create a combined feel for the audience. For example, in the title sequence of the film The Talking of Pelham there are quick changes with the visual images which sets the tone of the film and creates a mystery because of how fast the images are changing and the different angle shots of characters. We are also shown the location of the film which is New York City which I believe contains quite a bit of mystery in itself as well as most action films - what we believe the genre of the film is just from the opening title sequence - are set in New York City. 

Personal Preference: Which category of title sequence do you prefer? Why?

I personally prefer the category of title sequence with moving images as with this type of title sequence you can get straight into the film without having to watch a title sequence which is sometimes another film before the actual film itself.