Opening Sequences: An Overview

What forms can opening sequences take? Can you list the conventional features of opening sequences?

There are various ways of presenting opening sequences:

- Opening credits overlayed onto picture.
- Opening credits break up the montage of picture.
- Straight into picture (first scene) followed by opening credits.

Conventional features:

- Introduce the main character of the story.
- Introduce the setting; the main area/location which the film will centre around.
- Contain referential codes; credits notifying audience of the production company, actors etc. This would give the audience an idea of what kind of film to expect, as certain actors and directors are well known for particular styles.
- Opening sequences are use like introductions to the film and its storyline, so the audience gets a stong idea of what the film is going to be about.


What narrative functions of opening sequences can you identify?

- At the beginning of the sequence, the equillibrium is established.
- However there is then a disruption to this equillibrium that the protagonist must try and overcome.
- The protagonist will overcome the immediate disruption but mystery will be left as the identity of the antagonist is still unknown to the 'good guys'.
- The opening sequence works to set up the films plot.


What do audiences gain from watching the opening sequence?

- Audiences immediately will gain an understanding (hopefully) of what themes the film will be based around.
- The Audience is also introduced to the main charcters, time and setting of the film.
- The audience should be able to identify the genre clearly.
- Clarity, interest and mystery should ultimately determine whether or not the audience wants to watch the rest of the film.


What do film-makers gain from including an opening sequence?

By having an opening sequence, film makers draw in the audiences attention. They do so by establishing genre, characters and style. An opening sequence provides the introduction to the plot which if successful, should set up a mystery to make the audience want to watch the rest of the film.