An analysis of the title sequence for a BBC dram The Missing

1. The MissingAnalysis
The Missing‘s title sequence explains the narrative of the entire series through each
technique used. The music being the first creates an eerie atmosphere and the lyrics
perfectly explains the storyline. All of the music in the title sequence is non- diegetic
because it has been added in post-production, it’s also parallel sound because the
images on the screen compliment music because they both fit with one another. The
music instantly reminds you of children and being safe it’s only when you listen
closely that it’s not the same story. The lyrics in the soundtrack play a huge part in
The Missing’s title sequence especially the line "we pray each day that you come
home and be ok” because it sums up the idea of being missing and is complimenting
the images on the screen of searching for someone missing. The title sequence is
related to the entire context of the series and it helps you start to picture who this
person missing could be.
The rubber ring in the swimming pool could be shown so the audience can start
making links that this could be about children. It’s only when the teddy bear is shown
that it confirms this is about a young child. The editing techniques used in post-
production have made certain images stand out more than the other through the
way it uses light. The image of the teddy bear stays remotely dim whereas the
images on the rubber is bright and immediately draws my attention, highlighting that
this must be a significant point.
The car driving in various places insinuates the desperation from the parents and
police officers to find this young child but it’s also setting the scene, which takes
place all over France and England. The editing has been done so everything we see
travels in one direction (to the right) which could symbolise that there is no change
in finding the child as it all leads in one direction. The editing techniques used allow
the face pace motion between each shot, so the audience can really interpret how
the rest of the series will go. It also allows for the transition between each shot to be
smooth as this will highlight on the important shots like the swimming pool or just
shots that give a little more detail like the teddy bear.