The document analyzes and compares the opening title sequences of three biopic films: Cadillac Records, I'm Not There, and Made of Stone. Cadillac Records establishes the collaborative effort between studios and sets the tone for the film with the director name and main actors over a record player playing music from the era. I'm Not There uses a simplistic title sequence in black and white to portray Bob Dylan backstage at a concert, setting an artistic tone. Made of Stone immediately shows the subject of the film, The Stone Roses, through slow motion footage of the lead singer at a concert with flashing lights as a voiceover discusses happiness, while also establishing the production company and genre with a

1. L O O K I N G AT C O D E S O F C O N V E N T I O N S A N D D I F F E R E N C E S
B E T W E E N T H E O P E N I N G T I T L E O F T H E M O V I E S : C A D I L L A C
R E C O R D S , M A D E O F S T O N E & I ' M N O T T H E R E .
Biopic: analysis of titles

2. Cadillac Records
• First thing that comes on screen are the studios that created the
film in collaboration with one another, this suggests to us that the
film was a joint effort and gives credit to where it is due. This tells
the audience (those that are familiar with films from either
companies) what style the film will be from prior experience. This
allows the audience to know what to expect to some degree.
• The next thing that is shown is the directors name. this further
shows the audience (those with a knowledge of other films directed
by Darnell Martin) of what type of style to expect, and can either
cause positive or negative expectations. (Martin’s other films
include: Prison song & the lost valentine)
• The next shot displays the Main actors names (in order of
appearance) on top of a record player. This shot sets the tone for
the movie (the movie being about a record label and its owner) and
also plays the song on the record (little Walter-my babe) to further
add atmosphere, complementing the following montage of footage
of the 50’s lifestyle (Cadillac's, musicians, dancing)setting the tone
for the rest of the movie.

3. I’m Not There
• Simplistic title sequence/style+ font sets tone for the film, as it portrays
its simplicity and artistic style. Sequence goes on to name the other
companies working in liaison with The Weinstein Company and the
director (Todd Haynes), giving recognition and credit where its due.
• Employs first person perspective shot of Bob Dylan walking through the
backstage of one of his concerts, continuous shot of different people
greeting him as he walks with nods and smiles, occasionally pointing him
in directions, names of actors (in order of appearance) appear in plain,
simplistic white text. entire scene is in black and white. Shot sets tone for
film as being simplistic and artistic.
• After the previous scene climaxes in the lights of cameras and flood-lights
of the stage filling the screen with white, hard cut to more black and white
shots of the American countryside, with Bob Dylan by himself on a
motorbike, cut to wide shot, words slowly flicker onto the screen and
change between black and white until finally resting on the title.

4. Made of Stone
• Wide shot of lead singer walking past a crowd at concert in slow
motion, lighting is low key with flashes of red and white light
causing lens flare, with voice-over talking about happiness in a
sinister voice (Alfred Hitchcock) sets tone by immediately showing
you who the film is about (stone roses)
• Hard cut to black screen with simplistic white text, showing the
production company names (Film4) which gives the audience an idea
of what to expect (Film4 having good track record of films) this
simplistic style shows the audience that it is down to earth and
factual, and without unnecessary flamboyance.
• Goes on to portray a montage of different pictures and footage of the
band doing different activities, gradually progressing from their
beginning to their break up, and this further reinforces the topic of
the film. The montage portrays their journey and their personality as
a group.