RESEARCH: Analysis Of 2 Title Sequences

(Dir. Darren Aronofsky)

Requiem For A Dream

This title sequence is extremely effective in foreshadowing the tragic events of the film, a coming of age drama following the different paths of american citizens whose lives are plagued with addiction. The title on a blank screen, 'Requiem For A Dream' shoots down onto the screen accompanied by the diegetic sound of a door slamming shut or a jail cell door shutting. This sound effect, which opens the title sequence and parallels the title entering the screen, symbolises the way in which the characters are entrapped in their addictions and situations. The sound suggests there is no way out for the characters, which links to the title of the film, 'Requiem for a Dream' as it extrapolates the idea their dreams are dead, unattainable and -as a result of this-  they are trapped in addictions and habits with dire and unfortunate consequences. From this simple sound effect, the audience are able to understand the characters are doomed, sentenced to a life ruled by their addictions until they come to their soon, inevitable death.
In the sequence, at 01:25, the low-angle shot and lens flare, with soft, warm tones contrasts with the ongoing music in the background. The shot suggests tranquillity and peace, as the sun descends over the ride. This contrast suggests to the audience not all is as it seems, and therefore foreshadows how, in the film, the desirable and appealing things seem to have dire consequences. 

The music itself is iconic and captivating. Lux Aeterna builds up an epic and tense atmosphere throughout the opening sequence. It is highly dramatic and building up to something more, yet never fully reaches a climax, but is rather silenced by 'SUMMER' falling onto screen, accompanied by the jail door sound effect. On the one hand, the music could suggest hope. It is epic, and in some parts hopeful, and so the idea that it ends abruptly, replaced with this sound effect, could symbolise how the hopes and dreams of the characters are obliterated by harsh realities. On the other hand, the music also creates tension and unease within the audience. In some respects, it's far too dramatic for the simple sequence that follows two men transporting a TV. This suggests to the audience that there are other, more sinister story lines to follow and foreshadows the tragic nature of the film. Again, the contradictions in the mise en scene -the characters facial expressions suggesting excitement and happiness- but the dramatic minor scale violins on top of this suggest the characters have no idea of unfortunate events about to unfold. 

(Dir. Drew Goddard)

The Cabin In The Woods

The Cabin In The Woods Title Sequence begins introducing the institution, Lionsgate. The sequence begins visually with an animated background, as the camera moves around to different images reflected in what looks like blood. The red overlay on on the animation immediately connotes blood, danger, and fear, as well as the non-diegetic sound which parallels the sinister visual elements to the title sequence. The idea the blood is never ending, and continues to move around as if more is coming while the camera moves from image to image foreshadows blood-shed and brutality in the film, as well as establishing the horror genre - blood being a genre trope of horror. The images themselves reflected in the blood also have connotations of their own. The religious and satanic connotations of these images allow the audience to understand these link to the plot of the film in some way, all whilst maintaining mystery and a sense of horror and terror. The images are typical of a horror genre, religion and satanic ritual a popular path to go down in horror films. This further establishes the genre, and intrigues the audience as it can be a controversial and exciting topic. 

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The quick juxtaposition of the red, dramatic animated introduction to a jump into the world of the film, a close up shot of the sign 'Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee.' symbolises the nature of the film, which constantly uses contrast and quick jumps to captivate and maintain the audience's attention. It also foreshadows the unexpected nature of the events to take place, as the jump goes from and eerie introduction to a perfectly neutral scene. This suggests the characters in the film have as little idea of whats to come as the audience do. 
This is again shown in the neutral and somewhat boring conversation between the two characters. As the protagonist speaks to his friend, the title of the film suddenly jumps on screen with the non-diegetic sound of screams. The text is bold, red, and fills the entire screen. This grabs the audience, as the first jump-scare in the film. The fact it appears on a completely neutral part of the conversation adds fear as it suggests the film will constantly be surprising the audience when they least expect it.