2. Overview
 The Opening title sequence to ‘the Purge’ immediately gives the
audience an insight into what the film is about through narrative
enigma.
 It is cleverly made and uniquely directed by James Demonaco who uses
footage from CCTV cameras. This makes the audience feel more on
edge as they are witnessing something that cannot be stopped, and
makes it appear more realistic.
 The tone of the film is immediately set as a horror/thriller because of the
violent attacks that are shown on the screen. It gives the audience an
insight into what the film is about, and the violence that is about the
happen.
 The camera follows a number of deaths and assaults, each shown in a
different shot. This opening sequence is effective at setting the tone of a
thriller/horror and I will try to find the genre quickly in my own
sequence.

3. Genre
 It is clear from the mise en scene that this opening sequence sets
the mood for a thriller/horror due to the violent acts of crime such
as murder that we see.
 The jump/cut editing also creates a fast paced sequence, making
the audience feel on edge and fitting with the thriller genre.
 It is clear from the mixed contrast and dark colours that the film is
going to be sinister, and therefore the target audience would
probably be young adults.

4. Institutions
 The Purge is presented by
Universal Pictures and produced
by Platinum
Dunes/Blumhouse/Why Not.

5. Mise en Scene
 The violent acts that occur on screen in this opening sequence immediately depicts
the film as a thriller/horror.
 The weapons that are visible also link closely to these genres such as guns and
axes.
 All of the characters that are shown in the opening sequence are either participating
in violent acts of crime or victims of it. This immediately sets the mood of the film
and lets the audience know what they are in store .
 Mise en scene through setting is also evident through the use of smashed up cars
and burning fires.

6. Themes and Typography
 The typography used in the opening sequence stands out against the dimly lit
background through the bright white lettering.
 The use of the bright white colour suggest purity and innocence, strongly
contrasting with what we are seeing on screen. This could perhaps suggest the
danger even the pure characters are in.
 We often see two credits for characters appear at the same time. This could
perhaps suggest a stand off, foreshadowing the storylines of characters later
on in the film.
 The shots are often dimly lit and black and whit with a high contrast. This
reinforces the CCTV footage effect, and gives the audience a more edgier
setting.

7. Music By Nathan Whitehead
 The music in this opening sequence is what makes it unique
and stand out to an audience due to the contrapuntal music
(music that does not fit with what is happening on screen).
 This contrast between classical, relaxing music and violent
murderous acts, creates a uneasy mood for the audience and
conveys the horror genre.
 As well as this, the music also highlights the sad events we
are witnessing, and the murders of many people, immediately
connecting the audience on an emotional level.

8. Editing
 This opening sequence is edited by Peter Gvozdas,
who gives it a unique flare with contrast and colour.
 He enhances the CCTV effect which causes the
audience to feel uneasy as though they are witnessing
crimes that are currently happening, adding to the
horror genre.
 The use of short frames, emphasises the mass of
murders that are being shown on the screen. This again
makes the overall effect on the audience greater.

9. Narrative Enigma
 The ‘Purge’ opening sequence uses narrative
enigma effectively through the ‘purge feed’ icon that
is shown in the top right hand corner of the screen at
all times.
 This causes the audience to immediately wonder
what the ‘purge feed’ is and what it’s purpose is in
the film.

10. Camera Work
 In the opening sequence of the Purge there are
lots of high angled shots used, not only to
emphasize the CCTV footage effect but to also
show the insignificance of the lives that are being
taken. It gives the audience a wider picture, as if
they are witnessing the event as it occurs, putting
them on edge and adding to the thriller genre.
 There are also tracking shots used in the fight
scenes, which create a shaky camera effect,
representing the point of view of the audience.
 Wide shots are frequently used to show setting
and emphasis the destruction that is taking place.
 There are also two long shots which show victims
being slaughtered, making the audience feel an
emotional connection to the vulnerability of the
purge victims.

11. Credits
 The credits flicker in and out on screen, and are not very noticeable to the
audience. This suggests that the lives of the people are not significant,
reinforced by the mass of killings shown on screen.
 There are moments when two credits appear at once at opposite ends of the
screen. This foreshadows later events in the film and suggest a possible
stand off.
 I believe watching and analysing this opening sequence has helped me
understand what I need to include in mine because I now have a better
knowledge of what credits to include to make mine more authentic and
believable.

12. Final Piece
 This title sequence is effective at using camera shots to have a
certain effect on an audience, which is something similar that I plan
to use in my final piece.
 The use of credit order and potential meanings from two appearing
on screen, creates an edgy atmosphere for the audience and I will
ensure my credit order is thought out carefully.
 This opening sequence is very effective in using narrative enigma
through the ‘purge feed’ icon. This causes the audience to
immediately wonder what the film holds, achieving the main aims of
an opening sequence. I will try an create narrative enigma in my
own sequence.
 The soundtrack used in this sequence is also effective at creating
tension and adding suspense, due to the contrapuntal music. To
achieve the thriller genre in my own sequence I will build the
instruments to form a crescendo similarly to this.