Opening Sequences

On this page you'll links to a number of opening scenes from films which I've found on the web. You should link to or search for as many as you can in the genre/ style you are working in. You should aim to analyse these in terms of mood, tone, Media Language, Representation, Genre, impact on Audience, effectiveness, pace, making clear links to your own ideas. You should try to analyse, in detail, at least five (although ten would be preferable). The key thing is to make sure that there is a clear process of research which leads you to create a final product which demonstrates verisimilitude (or subverts expectation, but is clear about what is being subverted!) Lots of these are available on YouTube or, of  course, you could find your own examples from your own collection.

The other thing to consider is how to structure a title sequence. For example, what sort of imagery are you going to use? Which credits, if any, are you going to feature? What sort of music are you going to use?

You can find the scenes and title sequences on the school VLE by clicking on the links in this sentence.

To start you off, I've chosen some sequences for you. You will produce detailed analyses of one of the sequences below and post it on your blog. You will find more information on the Vimeo page hosting the video. Obviously, the more research you do, the better your analysis will be...

You should also check out this site for some examples - Long Road Media.

Further down the page you will find links to many more sequences.

The Usual Suspects


Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)


The Fall (2006)


Swordfish (2001)



Napoleon Dynamite (2004)


Lord of War (2005)


Mimic (1997)


Dawn of the Dead (2004)


Catch Me If You Can (2002)



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30 Unforgettable Title Sequences
Lord of War
The visually pleasing “life of a bullet” sequence is a perfect opening for a film about an arms dealer. 720p HD version.
Catch Me If You Can
The retro animated intro to Catch Me If You Can perfectly sets the scene and time period.
Se7en
A wonderfully creepy title sequence that perfectly sets the mood for the film you’re about to watch.
Superbad
It’s amazing how much personality can be expressed in a simple silhouette.
Charade
There were a lot of animated opening title sequences in the 60′s – this one is my personal favorite.
Casino Royale (2006)
In an effort to re-invent the franchise the infamous James Bond title sequence was overhauled. The result was a visually pleasing intro that still pays its respects to the original.
Sweeney Todd
A lot of Tim Burton’s films sport fantastic title sequences but Sweeney Todd’s is especially great. The creepy atmosphere and music combined with the dark imagery sets the tone very nicely. 720p HD version,
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Vibrant colors, great animation and an amazing score. This title sequence has it all.
Fight Club
One amazing sequence starts at a microscopic level and continues to expand outward until we are looking down the barrel of a gun. Unfortunately, the embedding of the opening sequence in this post was disabled by request. You need to watch the video on YouTube.
The Pink Panther (1963)
We would be remiss not to include the original Pink Panther in this list. Definitely a favorite.
Thank You For Smoking
A very clever title sequence with the credits written on vintage cigarette packaging.
Fahrenheit 451
In a world where the simple act of reading has been outlawed it only makes sense to have the titles read to you.
Delicatessen
Just beautiful in all respects. A wonderful use of practical effects – they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
Alien
A very slow paced, minimalist title sequence. The result is nothing but haunting.
Bunny Lake Is Missing
The concept is fairly simple but it’s so well done and the final result works beautifully.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Another great example of a contemporary film featuring an old school animated introduction.
Vertigo
Vertigo features a masterfully crafted and almost hypnotic title sequence. A perfect opening to the film.
Panic Room
This is the third David Fincher movie to make this list, it seems the man can appreciate a great title sequence. This is a very basic concept yet it’s brilliantly executed.
Dr. Strangelove
Wonderful imagery combined with the hand written text makes for a very unique and memorably title sequence.
Eurotrip
Say what you will about the movie, this is one creative and well-executed title sequence.
Pi
This is a great example of an amazing and original title sequence done on a shoe string budget.
North By Northwest
A series of intersecting lines form into a skyscraper. Very cool effect, especially for the time.
American Splendor
It only makes sense for a film about a comic book creator to have the credits in a comic book fashion.
Reservoir Dogs
To this day every time I walk down the street in a suit and sunglasses “little green bag” inevitably pops into my head.
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
A very funny animated sequence to kick off this comedy classic.
Halloween
A very simple yet ominous title sequence.
Live and Let Die
The James Bond franchise really understood the beauty of a great title sequence. Though we only included one classic in this list, the rest are here in spirit.
American Psycho
The credits for American Psycho play as many mind games on you as the film itself. Great attention to typography.Warning: Course Language!
Psycho (1960)
This brilliantly crafted title sequence has a lot of fun with typography and presentation.
Spiderman 2
An amazing title sequence that pays its respects to the original source; the comic book.