Opening Title Sequence
Reservoir Dogs
Actors name cover the actor’s chest, so we can clearly distinguish which character is played by which actor.
The title of the movie, “Reservoir dogs” comes from the bottom and stops at the top of the screen, above the group of actors, clearly implying that it is labelling them “Reservoir Dogs”.
Completely black screen shows and a short list of less important actor’s names roll from bottom to top.
Casting is the next thing to be listed.
The screen then cuts to a very bloody and gory scene to hook the viewers instantly.
The first thing that is seen is the production companies name, in dark orange, and gets lighter the longer it’s on the screen.
A pumpkin of similar colour comes on the screen and it too gets lighter the longer it’s on the screen. With flickering light inside, to help create tension and fear.
Main actors name, and then followed by the director’s name, “Donald Pleasance in John Carpenter’s, Halloween”.
Producer’s name, followed by supporting roles, actor’s name, the supporting actor is listed as, “NANCY LOOMIS, as Annie”.
Less important actor’s names listed after the main actor’s.
Screenplay writer’s names listed, also music and less important more technical jobs.
The setting is displayed on the screen, in a different colour and font; this makes it stand out from the actor’s names and technical jobs.
Top 5 most successful thriller films
This work was set for homework, where we both searched the internet for reviews on films that were considered most successful, based on personal opinions and total revenue.
The sixth sense - $672,806,292 (world wide)
The sixth sense was made in 1999, and was written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film tells the story of Cole Sear, a troubled, isolated boy who is able to see and talk to the dead, and an equally troubled child psychologist-played by Bruce Willis who tries to help him-It isn’t until the final few minutes of the film that we find out that he is dead himself. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
“An excellent premiere for new director M. Night Shyamalan as he packs a punch with a great story, excellent directing, a great cast, great performances, and a surprise ending that will leave you breathless for days on end.”
Jaws - $470,653,000 (world wide)
Jaws is a 1975 American horror/thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is based on the novel written by Peter Benchley. Jaws is set on the fictional summer resort town of Amity Island. The police chief of Amity Island is trying to close the beach, to protect beach goers from a giant great white shark. Only he is overruled by the town council, which wants the beach to remain open to draw a profit from tourists during the summer season. This leads to a number of severe shark attacks.Jaws won three Oscars, nine other awards and was nominated for thirteen other awards.
“When it comes to this kind of thriller, no movie has been able to top Jaws, although many have tried. And, as the years go by, it seems increasingly unlikely that anything will come close”
Silence of the lambs - $272,742,922 (world wide)
Silence of the lambs is a 1991 psychological crime/horror thriller. It was directed by Jonathon Demme. It is based on the novel by Thomas Harris. The film is about a young FBI trainee trying to catch a serial killer known as ‘Buffalo Bill’. Silence of the lambs won five Oscars, and the top five academy awards including Best picture and best screen play.
“Terrifying and inescapable. A perfect meditation on the nature of fear and courage, featuring two of the greatest performances ever put on film.”
The Godfather - $133,698,921 (world wide)
The Godfather was released in 1972 and was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. It was based on the 1963 novel by Mario Puzo. The godfather is about a mafia family, led by the father Don Vito Corleone. The plot deals with a gang war fought between the Corleone family and the other four of the five families in New York. The themes of this film are crime, violence, gangs and many more.The Godfather won three Oscars, nineteen other awards and was nominated for another seventeen awards.
“Not only one of the greatest mob films of all time, The Godfather is also one of the greatest overall pictures ever.”
Psycho - $32,000,000 (world wide)
Psycho was released in 1960, and was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film is based on the novel by Robert Bloch, which was inspired by the crimes of the Wisconsin serial killer-Ed Gain. Psycho is believed to be one of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films. The film follows the encounter between Marion Crane, who is hiding in a motel, and the motel owner Norman Bates. Norman Bates suffers from a multiple personality disorder, which leads to him committing a number of murders. Psycho was nominated for four Oscars, winning five other awards. It was also nominated for three other awards.
"The music, the setting, the shower scene, the mother in the cellar... everything about this iconic film has passed into cinema history.”
Opening Scene Analysis
We watched the opening scene of a number of thriller films. We analysed each opening, writing down the denotations followed by connotations.
All of these opening sequences use string music which is very effective in thrillers as string music is very sharp and represents mourning, it also contridicts itself as it also implies love/romance. We will both try to create our own music to feature in our thriller film as we both agree it is extremely effective.
We are inspired by all techniques used in massive films such as, The sixth sense. We will continue to identify aspects of films that we appreciate and use those techniques in our own work.
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