Independant research on film openings

Looking at a wide variety of opening sequences, it's conclusive that a common and critical element each one accomplishes, regardless of genre and target audience, is establishing a key mood and tone that can be seen in the rest of the film. For example, in 'The Matrix' the first shot is of a stream of unique symbols scrolling down the screen. This sense of visual digitalisation is stereotypically associated with science fiction, already identifying the film's genre, and because the foreground is black connotes an element of emotional darkness within this narrative. The lack of cast and crew titles, in this particular case, implies this is so that they didn't interfere with the films fast and pace and consistently tense tone. This tone can be seen through the subtle non-diegetic music gradually rising to show a sense of progression within 'The Matrix's narrative.

Another example of an opening sequence establishing the films tone quickly and efficiently is 'Gone Baby Gone.' Unlike 'The Matrix,' this film does have opening cast and crew titles, which suggests the film has a slower pace and also that the film makers wanted to publicise the fact that the film contains numerous A-list actors, such as Casey Affleck and Morgan Freeman. The font for the titles is very simplistic and placed in the corners of the screen, so that they don't detract from visual element of the opening. Also contrasting to 'The Matrix' opening is the lack of continuity editing, using the technique of a montage, in this case to provide context to the audience when it comes to character types and the areas they're stereotypically placed in within this film. Showing these citizens in a more naturalistic light makes them more believable and relatable characters, incorporating an aspect of sentimentality. Being set in a rough part of Boston, America, the film makers used the opening as an opportunity to show these Boston people in their daily light, using signifiers such as tattoos to convey quite informal and crime-orientated characters.