HORROR TITLE SEQUENCE ANALYSIS: THE CONJURING

The colour scheme of the title sequence is very dull and scary which sets out the overall mood/ atmosphere for the film.
The colour black has connotations of danger, mystery, death, darkness and evil
The colour white has connotations of angelic, innocence and purity
The contrast of the two themes arouses doubt and uncertainty
The long shot of the house with trees, the ropes and the hangman's noose creates a sense of danger and devastation. The noose hints at suicide and depression highlighting loneliness and unhappiness.
 

 

Throughout the title sequence, a number of families have been photographed outside the same house showing that the problem is ongoing and may have something to do with the house itself. The clothes are old fashioned which suggests that the town/house has history.

The names of actors and other people involved in the film have been used to hide the characters in the photos face, this creates a further hidden mysteriousness and secretiveness. 

 

Clipping of newpapers are used often throughout the title sequence to add to the seriousness and also the frequency of these events.

The score has a deep tone and runs throughout the score of the title sequence, which includes chimes and rustling sounds and has an overall creepy and eerie effect to it. The score is very intense and builds up the tension and the title sequence progresses.

 

TITLE SEQUENCE TIMELINE

 

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE OF A TITLE SEQUENCE

The purpose of a title sequence is to create an atmosphere and set the tone for the next 2 hours. It can also be used to foreshadow the narrative and suggest some of the themes which will be explored throughout the film. Title sequence give away the genre of the film and sometimes effortlessly kick starting the narrative start away..
 

It also gives the directors an opportunity to show off their masterpiece and introduce the cast and stars that play a significant part in it.

KYLE COOPER

According to Kyle Cooper a good title the sequence should consist of the following..

• typography in service of the story
• should be a story in itself
• title sequence should be presented as a metaphor for the film

Cooper studies the microscopic images of cells, teeth, bones, and skin. The micro details in the images help convey the story and create an atmosphere for the rest of the film as its something interesting and usual.

TITLE SEQUENCE - SHUTTER ISLAND

Shutter Island (2010) film title sequence opens with a shot of a long corridor and then there's a quick editing cut to a shot of spiral staircase. The spiral staircase add the element illusion and suspense. The text is bold, jumpy, and at times difficult to read. This adds a sense of mystery and gives the audience the idea that something may not be right.

The establishing shot of a gate opening is placed after a loud crash in the soundtrack, almost preparing the audience to the disaster that may occur in a place behind these gates. The camera closes in on the first gate as it opens and follows through towards the second gate. This is significant because it creates a sense of worry and isolation by positioning the audience in a very uncomfortable place, and that is done through the camera angle of the shot. 

A gun is shown being stepped on by a foot and being dragged away intriguing the audience as it creates the mood for violence, danger and crime. The motion also suggests that there might be someone who needs help as their protection (the gun) has been taken away.

The atmosphere of crime and danger is futher reinfored by this shot of a darkly lit room, which looks like a prison cell. The hand cuffs and chains are shown through an angle which seems like a pov shot of someone who might be sitting in the corner of the room looking towards the light radiating from the outside world.

The long view shot of a dark, gloomy island looks uninviting but also daring the audience to enter and explore. The audience is immediately curious and interested. This shot also maintains the theme of isolation, danger and mystery set in the previous shots.

The film then begins as the name of the film is shown to end the title sequence. The text is in bold letters and the colour red which has connotations of evil and danger. The title gets bigger and looks like its coming towards the audience as if its inviting them in.