I have looked at a few different film openings and analysed how effective they are at fulfilling there purpose, these are my thoughts...

1. FILM OPENINGS... By Jessie Williams

3. Casino Royale This film opening is a typical James Bond title sequence with plenty of action, suspense and glamour combined with the imaginative animation that has now become a tradition for Bond films. The first shot is a preview into the future narrative, shot in the same location that features later on in the film; this gives a taster to the audience about the drama to come, which makes them excited to uncover the mystery and piece together the story. I think this is an effective way of introducing the plot to the audience without revealing too much of the main story – just enhancing the tense atmosphere. After this we cut to a point of view shot from the victim’s perspective - they see James Bond turning around and firing a gun straight at them. The bang of the bullet causes a large impact as its emphasised by the harsh beat of the Bond theme tune music, this creates fear within the audience as it feels like the bullet is heading straight for them. Hearing the Bond theme tune immediately ignites excitement as the audience knows the standard of action that is expected to follow, as well as the atmospheric beat that evokes aggression and emphasises the suspense. I think its a good idea to create a theme tune for a film as it creates continuity within the audio and becomes synonymous with that particular character or series of films. After this the main title sequence begins; its a creative visual effect done with animation, featuring: flying cards, physical fights, stabbing, guns firing, and death. Its a very imaginative design using graphic and action match, however the main theme of violence and aggression is portrayed subtly because the animation slightly hides it. This is effective as it hints at the action to come without ruining the impact or over-using the theme of violence. The animation also links to the main setting, event and theme of the film which is playing cards, it also links to the name of the film: Casino Royale, this creates continuity within the sequence.

7. Continued … The fireworks evoke connotations of excitement, amazement and awe at such a magical event – this could refer to love as well as a firework display. Fireworks could also represent how love makes the couple feel; explosive, wonder, admiration and joy. The quickness of the firework lighting up the image could portray how the couple’s time together flies past very quickly and how they must make the most of their time together; this also gives connotations of forbidden love and secrecy, which automatically makes the audience want to find out more. In conclusion, I really like this film opening as it effectively draws the audience into the narrative without revealing too much of the plot, whilst creating a unique transitional device that excites the audience and relates to the love story.