19th September 2011

Thriller Opening Titles

At the beginning of the lesson I looked at the film Taxi Driver. I looked at the opening scene.

While looking at the scene I noticed that:

- The music created tension. And changed from Classical to Jazz about mid way through the title sequence. There was a saxophone used which is important because the saxophone symbolises love. This could be important in trying to draw the person because they might want to know why there is a sax playing.

- There were close up and tracking of the taxi. This gives you an idea that the taxi will be important even though it is in the title.

- There was an extreame close up of a mans face. This showed only his eyes which makes you look at the emotion that are present. Showing only his eyes show that he is tense about something but it also makes the audience want to know what is making him feel like this.

- There was loads of smoke used which helps create mystery because people dont know where it has come from, or what is behind that smoke.

- There were also point of view shots that were used as they were travelling through the city. But you could only tell it was a city because of the city lights as they drove past.

What are title sequences and why are they important?

- They show clues of what is coming in the film.

- This is a short sharp way of introducing the film without giving away the plot straight away.

- They need to be good because these are the things that make the audience want to carry on watching. It hooks the people in, making them want to find out what happens in the film.

Design Aspects

What elements are included in the Design of this sequence?

- Images

- Style (Like the colours)

- Visual Effects

- Font

- Animation of the title

- Editing (Like how each shot changes to the next)

What I Learnt

From todays lesson, i learnt that there is more to a title sequence then it looks. I didnt realise how much work had to be put in to make it look convincing, and make it flow through to the film effortlessly.