This document analyzes and summarizes elements from the title sequences of two television shows, True Detective and Sherlock. For True Detective, the title sequence features a face in the clouds watching over the town, possibly in judgment, as well as an isolated setting and a power station connoting pollution. These elements set up themes of isolation, bleakness, and potential wrongdoing. For Sherlock, the title sequence features Sherlock's face reflected twice in a magnifying glass, suggesting his role as a detective as well as potentially having a darker side. Overlapping images of people in London in the background establish the modern setting. Both sequences use musical score, camera angles, lighting techniques, and other elements to set tones

1. God like face in the clouds
Power station
This image from True Detective’s title sequence tells us a lot about what is to come in the
series. For example, overlay has been used where there is a face in the background, almost
like a god-like figure watching over the people in the town, possibly judging them; the man
is one of the detectives, so the image suits his job. Also we can see a power station in the
background which connotes pollution and makes me think that this town isn’t a nice place,
this could foreshadow later events. I also instantly dislike the setting as it is very bleak and
boring. The setting also looks isolated which makes me think it is a thriller genre as the
victim is often alone.
The lighting is low key, which adds to the bleak, depressing feel of the title sequence. The
camera angle is a long shot, so the audience can see a vast amount of land. This space and
isolation compliments the feel of loneliness. Also in the title sequence the music is slow
paced which establishes that this programme will be a thriller or a drama as opposed to an
action film. It is also western music, so it gives an idea of where the series is set, which is in
South America, and what significance it has to the programme.
Bleak area
Deserted

2. Woman-close
up
clo
Power
station
- long
shot
Rough
High key
lighting
Overlapping
images
There are overlapping images which could suggest deception as it looks as if the woman is hiding behind something. Also,
there is high key lighting which indicates innocence. Possibly the woman is a victim. The power station suggests that the
area is bleak and rough which fits with the nature of the programme.
City
Man-close
up
Half his
head- fades
into city
Black
and
white
The image is in black and white which could suggest that the man is quite traditional or old fashioned. Also, the man
is wearing a tie which could show he is one of the detectives. Also half of the man’s head fades into an image of a
city. This could be showing that the man has a lot on his mind and the city could be a metaphor for that.

4. Blurry
Characters face and
Magnifying glass reflection
In the ‘Sherlock’ title sequence you can see from the image that there is a modern
magnifying glass, this shows that it is a modernised version of Sherlock Holmes. Also
Sherlock’s face is in the magnifying glass twice, this shows that it is a detective programme
as a magnifying glass is a common prop used in detective programmes . Also his face could
be there twice to give the sense that he isn’t alone. Or the face that is further away could
suggest that Sherlock has a darker side to him as it is more distant and blurry. Also the effect
of overlay shows people in the background, which looks like businessmen and women going
to work in London. This establishes the setting and also informs us that it is set in present
day. Though, the background is quite blurry which could suggest that things could not be as
they seem.
The lighting is low key which gives the theme of mystery as you can’t see the picture clearly.
Also the close up is effective as we can see the character and his emotions. He looks solemn
which could foreshadow what is to come in the programme. Also in the title sequence, the
music is quite fast paced which builds up excitement for the action and drama which is to
come.
People
London
Overlay