My partner and I have finalized our decision to produce a film opening for a psychological thriller film. In general, film openings are supposed to establish the tone, include credits, have a title, and develop purpose. However, to gain greater knowledge specific to the genre of my project, I have analyzed 3 different film openings from my genre.
1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The opening scene of The Silence of the Lambs starts with a display of the film's production company. The music played throughout this scene has a dark and heavy tone that builds anticipation. Directly after the production's signature, the film's title is overlayed on the screen followed by the listing of the stars, writers, and cinematographers in the movie. In the first part of the film, we see a woman running through a forest wearing an FBI sweatshirt. This immediately gives us the setting and a general idea of who the character is. She is then seen working through an obstacle course, revealing that she is still in training. We then see a tree with various signs with motivational messages on them. However, the sign that says "PRIDE" seems old and worn out, implying that the pride of the FBI has been damaged. When she is walking to her superiors office a close-up of a sign that says "Behavioral Science Services" is shown further developing the character.
2. Shutter Island (2010)
The opening begins by showing the title of the movie in bold white text. The very next screen gives the location and year that this is taking place. Immediately after, a boat is shown giving further information about the setting of the opening. We then are shown the main character having sea sickness and talking to himself in the mirror, introducing us to the name Teddy. It is also implied that he is someone important as he is wearing a suit and tie. He then begins a dialogue with another character which gives us the background of both the characters. It is also revealed through the dialogue that both characters are marshals looking for someone. Lastly, it pans to the island where the background music becomes ominous foreshadowing that something bad is on the island.
3. Se7en (1995)
The title scene of the film begins by showing the credits and title in sketchy text that is glitching out representing the unsettling theme of the film. The music also makes the audience uncomfortable with many screeching sounds like nails on a chalkboard. The music is paired with uncomfortable visuals such as someone cutting off their fingertips or a probe in a man's head to further make the audience uneasy. The last part of the scene is shown in a colorless city where gunshots can be heard placing the setting in a dystopian city.
In conclusion, common characteristics of the openings from my genre are dark or uncomforting audio paired with visuals that reveal the setting. The font type of the text overlay should also develop the tone of the film. Various tools should also be used to foreshadow what may come in later in the film.
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