The document discusses several conventions that are commonly seen in the opening sequences of murder mystery films. These include depicting a murder, murderer, or detective; using tense music to build suspense; including clues; and developing characters. However, the murderer is unlikely to be revealed at the very start of the film to maintain suspense. It also provides the example of the titles seen at the beginning of the film Seven, and notes that title sequences generally follow the structure of showing more important credits first, then less important, and ending with the director.

1. Joseph Russo

2. 
 In a murder mystery opening sequence there are
many conventions of a murder mystery film. These
could include:
 A murder, murderer or a detective
 Tense music to build up suspense
 Clues
 Character Development
 Mysterious Events that lead to an enigma (asks
questions to the audience)
Conventions of an
opening sequence

3. 
 There is not always a detective and a murder in the
opening sequence. This is because the director may
not always want to include the murder at the start of
the film because they may want to include the
murder midway through the film. The murderer is
most likely to be revealed at the end of the film
rather than in the opening sequence. It is unlikely
that it is revealed at the start because it takes away a
lot of the suspense.
Conventions of an opening
sequence continued

4. 
 An example of a murder mystery film with many titles in is Seven.
These include:
 Institution name Costume designers
 A film by… Editor
 Most famous actor Production designer
 Other actors Director of photography
 Title Co-Producers
 Supporting actors Co-Executive Producers
 Casting by… Written by…
 Music by… Produced by…
Directed by…
Titles in a murder mystery
opening sequence

5. 
The structure of a title sequence in most cases
goes important, less important, important.
The director is always shown last in the title
sequence.
Titles in a murder mystery
opening sequence continued