Research - Film Openings

http://youtu.be/Tek8QmKRODw  - The opening to 'Psycho' 

Psycho -

The opening to 'Psycho' is intriguing and attention grabbing. Although it doesn’t use physical action involving the cast, the director uses various but simple graphics, which is words (directors/actors/tresses names) being made up of lines. Personally I think this gives a weird illusion, which also links to the theme of the film (which is a 'thriller'). 

In the opening sequence where the graphics are used, the background is black; which immediately signals confusion for the audience as they are unsure what is about to appear next. Uncertainty is also created for the viewer as the colour black infers something that is misunderstood due to the absence of colour. In addition to this the director incorporates text which is white - I assume that is because white is a colour that stand out against black and can be boldly seen. The next object in the frame is numerous grey lines which is used as a transition from word to word.

The music used in the opening was composed by Bernard Herrmann. He only uses the string section of the orchestra. i think the minimalistic sound creates suspense and tension because the audience is expecting to see/hear the big 'Dun Dun Duunnn' but don’t receive it. Which means when the scene where the action does appear in the will not expect it.

Various different frames from the opening sequence of 'Psycho'

 Conventions Incorpriated :

• Names of cast 
• Name of film 
• The name of the director
• Graphics 
• Appropriate fonts that go with the 'theme'
• Sound/suitable music