Opening Sequences: Analysis

Opening Credits Analysis

The 100: 

        Conflict and collision is evident in the first seconds of this opening credit. The title, The 100, is displayed effectively in the beginning of the open credit sequence; the title collides together creating a rippling effect of splayed out pieces. The purpose of the immediate portrayal of destruction is to emphasize the theme of this T.V. series which is heavy conflict, war, and the strive to freedom. Next, the actors names are introduced with a digital and computer savvy aesthetic. Along with the fonts the theme song adds an impactful sense of danger and a fight for survival; the background images flash across the screen, shifting from different dystopian landmarks on Earth, introducing an undertone of advanced technology. These characteristics play into the genre of this film series, taking on a role of a dystopian drama. The opening sequence reflects a moving map, highlighting the purpose of The 100 which is to keep moving forward in search of a place on Earth that's clean and safe. Taking place in a futuristic era, 100 youths are sent down to Earth from their safe haven in space, in search of non-toxic atmosphere after a nuclear eruption sent thousands of people fleeing on ships to space. The opening credits give the audience of sense of what to expect in the show, providing hidden gems that describe a new world and an Earth in utter chaos that all together serve the purpose of evoking a mysterious, apocalyptic, and adventure filled energy into the awaiting audience. 

The Haunting of Bly Manor:

        The opening credits for The Haunting of Bly Manor starts with an eerie rattling music as the camera rises from the darkness. By this time the audience should be able to comprehend that this Netflix series is not one for the light-hearted, already shedding some light on this clearly ominous and dark tale. The rattle abruptly stops, introducing a new mystic sound. This theme song is aided by close ups of antique frames found in the manor. The audience follows a guide through the manner with frames of the characters of the show are front and center. The saturation is extremely low only emphasizing the blood red background and gold framing of the picture frames. The characters in the pictures look as if they are locked up, all seem as though they hold deep secrets. When the camera pans over a character their faces dissolve into a blank slate, erasing their eyes. This important detail heavily foreshadows the plot twist in this show as well as the foundation upon which the whole series is about. As the camera wipes away each one of the characters eyes it is as if their souls are being erased too, leaving them as hollow bodies. This opening credit is truly the epitome of a horror series, eventuating the several layers of suspense the viewers will be eager to dive through and put together. Towards the end of this sequence the title, The Haunting of Bly Manor, is displayed in a muted mustard color in front of the picture frames of our no-face characters. The music transitions to an unsettling lullaby, a significant detail; a lullaby is usually associated with children and that is the very thing that catapults this story into action, the viewers will soon come to find out.

Avengers Infinity War:

        Avengers Infinity War, begins in an untraditional way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film in particular does incorporate the flipping through comic book pages that Marvel fans hold dear to their heart, but it leaves out an important aspect to further pitch the idea of urgency. The opening credit scene leaves out the traditional Marvel Theme song that amps up its audience to get them energetic and thrown toward a series of gravitating action packed sequences. Instead Infinity War presents the audience with an absence of sound, further advocating a sense of darkness, warning viewers of the potential perils that they are about to witness. Avengers Infinity War has become known as one of the saddest and heart wrenching movies in the Marvel franchise. With an introduction of dead silence, tension rises inflicting a mood of intensity onto the viewers. The normal upbeat theme song replaced by the cold chills of silence. The rushing energy in the audience is replaced by quiet whispers of fear. This title sequence wraps up with a dark Marvel Studios logo instead of the traditional bright red. The last thing we hear is a man over a radio intercom pleading for help. 

The Greatest Showman:

        This high energy opening reels in the audience with its musical ambience and choreography. The opening credits flash across the scene in abrupt sections as the music cuts on and off in an attempt to create a rushing feeling that gradually will spurt out to a phenomenal musical encore. The titles showcasing the company, production by, and the main heading are all in a font that represents an early 1900s film sequence aided by a black background and spiraling white accents in the corners of the screen. The main character is seen with his back turned to the camera looking between the stands of stomping feet in the audience as the light casts through the cracks of the benches. This main character immediately takes ahold of the audience's attention beginning off with a passionate song and making an emphasis on the use of short sentences; He says, "ladies and gents this is the moment you've been waiting for." A moment of spirit and vigor is clearly evident in the coming scenes as the title, The Greatest Showman is revealed. The viewers expect a performance of a lifetime with a title that holds so much confidence, and the opening sequence delivers just that, an impeccable performance. A setting of a circus is revealed with a glorious group of misfits including acrobats, trotting horses, knife throwers, giants, and jugglers in view. Our main character holds a position of a ringmaster, leading us through the maze of chaotic fun and brilliancy, igniting a mood of curiosity and energy. 

Home Alone:

        The opening credits begin with a moon hidden behind foggy dark clouds above a 2D cartoon image of a blue house. The infamous Home Alone theme song plays in the background creating an ominous yet comforting feeling within audience members familiar with the film. The blue house stays center of the screen as the title Home Alone comes toward the middle to connect the house in between. A light is shown in the single window, echoing to the fact that, Kevin, the main character would soon be all by himself in his fight to protect his house and survive Christmas without his family. The blue house is seen to drift farther away from the screen into the dark abyss, the light now shutting off and the house fades away. This prophetic indication promotes the plot of the story regarding a child by himself fighting off unwanted criminals. Lastly, the screen fades in showing a gorgeous house with a hectic family on the inside.