Analysis of title sequences Task- 6

Analysis of Title Sequences

To Kill a Mockingbird

The opening title sequence of the film is very simplistic in its layout and visuals, suggesting the narrative may be family orientated and also very subtle. We first hear a very gentle soundtrack played by a piano followed by a little girl singing-again putting across the idea that it is a family film with a gentle natured plot. Additionally, as typography is a vital part of opening sequences, it is used to complement what we see in the film world; the shapes and contours of the toys and objects share similarities to that of the film credits almost making the words part of the film world. Also one not so noticeable part of the sequence is that the font of the credit is almost the same as the labelling of the Crayola crayons the child plays with, which is effective at combing the credits with the world of the film.

The first time we see the title of the film, it is being revealed as the little girl colours in with her crayons, which is a very effective way at opening the film. This is because the title almost stops being a credit and becomes part of the world. The audience continually follows the camera as it shows different objects that seem relevant to the film, such as the pocket watch and the little girl’s box of objects and toys. At the same time the soundtrack is subtle and not overpowering as well as the little girl humming over the soundtrack. There is no clash between the non-diegetic and diegetic sounds and they blend seamlessly to create a soothing and playful sound. This all builds up to the idea that the storyline is very subtle, gentle and simple like the title sequence.

Lolita 1997

In the opening title sequence of Lolita, the production company is the first thin the audience sees, which is typical of a lot of films. For a significant amount of time a landscape is presented with a car driving down a hill and simultaneously a soft soundtrack plays in the background. Due to the very dull tone presented by the setting the expectation set is that the movie will also be very dull and the storyline will perhaps be emotional. The camera then follows a car over the landscape creating curiosity- this is good for an opening title sequence as it creates anticipation in the audience, hence making them question what will happen next. Similarly, to To Kill a Mockingbird the credits adjust themselves according to what happens in the film world, for example whenever the car swerves to one direction the credits take up the space where the car was and alternate each time the car moves side to side. The sound is solely non-diegetic through the opening of the film to emphasise the mood of the film.