The document provides annotations for four film title sequences analyzing their genre, semiotics, and reflection. It analyzes the X-Men trailer focusing on its use of dramatic scenes, visual effects, and ambiguous blue eye imagery to attract sci-fi audiences. It also analyzes the Romeo + Juliet trailer noting how it uses romantic music and shots of the lovers to attract female audiences and action scenes and weapons to attract male audiences while emphasizing the story is about Romeo and Juliet through frequent shots of them.

1. Media Coursework
Annotate (min 4 print screens) 4 title sequences, using subject
terminology & looking at genre, semiotics and reflection (your
views)
The first trailer I analysed was X-men. Originally a
cartoon and a comic book series X-men already had a
large fan base. The trailer begins with a zoom shot of
the X-men doors opening signifying that the X-men
headquarters will have an importance in the film.
Through a mid shot we see the characters Storm, Jane
and Cyclops looking tense. Initially the trailer is slow
with a subdued tone of incidental music. A close up of
Storm saying “hold on to something” see’s an dramatic change. The moment of silence is
shattered when a lightning bolt strikes signifying danger; the action has now began. Through
ellipsis fast clips of cars in the air, fight scenes, flashing images, skeletons and continuous
visual effects grabs our attention. The purpose of showing these dramatic scenes early,
immediately tell us the genre of the film is “action”. The scenes create an distorted feelings
in comparisons into the real world. This adds to the dramatic style and creates the strength
for the trailer to attract sci-fi audiences. A close up of the stature of liberty gets people’s
attention as they can relate to the famous landscape setting. A continues shot of a blue
large eye appears frequently throughout the duration of the trailer. The eye may connote
the secrecy of the “mutants” or them being watched or spied on. This creates an ambiguity
feeling in the trailer. The ambiguity of the trailer persuades people to watch the film and
find out what actually happens. Overall, the trailer has a sense of immediate energetic
sequences, rolling scenes and incidental up beat music to get the modern target audience
to want to watch film. As they know the film action packed and exciting.
Efe Aziza

2. Media Coursework
The second film I analyzed was the 1996 version of the
Shakespearian classic Romeo and Juliet. With Romeo
and Juliet being a world famous play it already had an
large audience . The trailer begins with an established
mid-shot of Leonardo DiCaprio character Romeo; the
heartthrob of the movie. A mid-shot of Juliet in a
wedding suggest a wedding later on in the film.
Through shot reverse shot we see the growing romance
between the two lovers Romeo and Juliet. POV shot
from Romeo suggest that he madly in love with Juliet.
Moreover, Juliet dancing in the white angels outfit
connotes her innocence. Incidental romantic music with the song “kissing you” signifies that
they are soul mates and deeply love each over. The Romeo and Juliet trailer unique selling
point is that it is able to attract different audiences. The film itself being Romance ,Action,
Tragedy, Drama genre. This section of the trailer is target for female audiences who enjoy
romantic love stories. In that moment the title sequence appears saying “Romeo + Juliet” .
Through an reverse zoom shot the red cross symbolizing a possible threat of danger that will
happen in the film. The colour red signifying danger and the cross signifying death. The next
section of the trailer mainly aimed at males. Montage of clips showing action pact fighting
and blood will attracted the male audience as they will not watch the film just for the
romance. Close ups and focus points on guns signify that the gun will play are part in the
death of the film connoted from the red cross. Asynchronous noises of police engines and
gunshot connotes the feeling of intensity. Frequent two shots of Romeo and Juliet
emphasize that story is about them. Towards the end of the trailer a focus point on a small
bottle of blue liquid connotes that it will have an importance like the guns in the film.
Frequents reverse zoom shots of cross clearly identify that death will be apparent the film.
Overall, The trailer of Romeo and Juliet makes you want to watch the film because the film
itself is based on a classic play, and seeing it through modern light gives the film an exciting
feeling towards it; of something brand new.
Efe Aziza