Title Sequence Comparison

1. Title Sequence Comparison

2. Signs (2002) M. Night Shyamalan Music and Lyrics (2007) Marc LawrenceThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion,
the Witch and the Wardrobe
(2005) Andrew Adamson

3. Introduction
• After analysing a range of opening sequences for
films of a variety of genres, the next step is to
compare each opening’s use of text, discovering
which areas of text are conventionally found
within all film opening sequences, regardless of
genre, and which have been used specifically for
that film, resulting in a specific effect original to
that specific media text.

4. Similarities
• Within each of the films regardless of genre I
have discovered that the order in which the title
sequence is presented is very similar within each
film. Often occurring in the order: Production
related titles, leading actor names, film title,
further actor names, casting, co-producers,
costume designer, composer, editor, production
designer, director of photography, executive
producers, producers, screenplay, director.

5. • From this similarity held by all three films I have learnt that when
creating and applying a title sequence to an opening this is the
conventional order in which the text is expected to appear. This will
help me when it comes to creating my own opening as I now
understand what order the credits should be in in order to create a
conventional title sequence for a film.

6. Differences
Signs (2002)
• However, in terms of the differences I found that the composition of the opening
titles within each film vary in one way or another. For example within the thriller
Signs, the title sequence dominates the opening credits, this has the effect of
emphasising the importance of each of the names as well as enticing the audience
with enigma codes as the gradually pacing music as well as the fluctuating cut time
from each title builds anticipation within the audience as they speculate what thrills
will await them. This therefore, reveals that the absence footage alongside the title
sequence has been done so in order to rise anticipation within the audience as the
intense music builds suspense and the slight flickering within the backgrounds
foreshadows future events within the film without yet revealing them to the audience.

7. • For example the changing light could connote the flickering of a
torch light shining out across a crop field at night, which is a rather
memorably suspenseful scene that occurs later within the film. Also
the rather dark outer edges of the blue background, could connote
the impending danger and darkness that has already begun to
slowly surround the protagonists before they have even been
revealed to the audience. This again rises tension and helps to entice
the audience. Therefore, meeting with the conventions of an
opening sequence as well as a thriller film.

8. • Another interesting composition was of that of Narnia, who although
possessed titles which were large in size and a dominant presence upon the
screen, the sequence was also accompanied by footage. This being the train
in which the protagonists are travelling on, as they are taken safely to the
countryside as a result of the dangers of war. This has the effect of allowing
the conventional title sequence to feature within the opening, however, also
allows for the establishment of the narrative, as the characters and settings
are revealed to the audience.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

9. • This has the effect of enticing the audience as they
are provided with something more visually exciting
than simply text. This could be said to reflect the
young target audience for the film, as this would
help to entice children into watching the film as they
are provided with a visual pleasure of a series of
shots of, such as: the impressive steam train (both
inside and out), as well as the passing landscape and
the varying personalities and attitudes of the
protagonists, therefore allowing for a more enticing
opening sequence as well as an easily understood
one.

10. Music And Lyrics (2007)
• Within Music and Lyrics, additional titles have been used. For example the
use of the title of the song that immediately begins to play as the opening
begins as well as the date, producer and band. This particular title is unique
to this film and has the effect of signalling to the audience that this film is
beginning with the footage from a music video. This can be identified as the
use of such a title is a generic convention of a music video which along with
the footage of instruments being played and people preparing to sing, this
idea clearly communicated to the audience.

11. • The use of such an original opening sequence has the effect of
surprising the audience and links to the amusement of the comedic
genre that the film is based upon. As the idea of a music video
featuring within the film is rather unconventional and therefore
helps to create a rather enticing as well as humorous opening scene,
as the actors are clearly over exaggerating the stereotype of a typical
80s music video.

12. • This reveals that within genres such as comedy, conventional
elements are specifically changed in order to surprise the audience
and cause them to laugh as they are met with something rather odd
and original. Therefore, linking to the comedic genre as well as the
themes within the film, such as the title Music and Lyrics which
reveals the focus within the film to be towards music and song,
therefore again linking directly with the action within the opening
sequence as well as the first title used.

13. Conclusion
• After analysing the use of text within each opening sequence it can be concluded that when creating my
title sequence I should remain to the conventional order when stating those involved within the
creation of the film. However, in regards to the layout, I should decide upon either playing the sequence
alongside footage, such as like that within Music and Lyrics, allowing the credits to be a secondary focus
in comparison to the footage (allowing for characters and the narrative to be established) or I should
follow the example of films such as signs and make the title sequence the main focus of the opening in
order to build tension and anticipation within the audience. However, although this did help to fit the
thriller genre I believe that this would limit my piece as this would prevent me from setting up the
narrative or introducing the characters to my target audience, as no footage would be shown. Therefore,
I believe that I will follow the example of films such as Narnia and Music and Lyrics as within these
films the titles are still key to the opening however they are used to accompany the footage, allowing for
both the convention of a title sequence to be incorporated as well as portraying and establishing the
narrative, settings and characters to the audience.