So today's post is my first analysis of an opening title sequence to a range of films that link to the genre of my choice. I have decided to create a film of the sub-genre apocalyptic films.
These type of films are usually of a science fiction genre which is the root I'm going down, yet there are other hybrids that link to other genres such as romance, comedy and horror.
My film will be a hybrid of horror and apocalypse as I belie these two go hand in hand together.
So without further ado, I will be analyzing the title sequence of I Am Legend which was the first film I thought of when thinking about researching apocalyptic films.
Now this film has a very small opening sequence and contains very little conventions of what a title sequence should contain.
So the film begins with the Warner Bros. logo which is the name of the distributor.
It then reveals more logos from the producers such as Weed Road Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment.
I think the reason why they've put the distributor before the producer is because it is instantly recognizable. Whilst all these logos are shown, there is a background noise of a news broadcast/interview which can be heard right from the beginning. This is used to allow people to get straight into the film and to emphasize the importance of the dialogue between the two people. Although you can't see them, you have to pay attention to what they're saying as there isn't much else to focus on.
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Then we see the interview on a television screen, as if we - the audience - is actually there with whomever is watching the screen in the film. This gives us a sense of involvement already within the first couple of minutes and allows us to engage with it. The dialogue within the interview is of a woman and a doctor discussing a medical issue and ends with the conclusion that they've cured cancer. It signifies to the audience that a medical issue is related to the reason why the world has become so apocalyptic. It is used to introduce the story as is signifies that medicine is responsible for what happens next - this is because this scene is the first we hear and see, so it is an important one. The use of a medical professional and theme can also be used to create the idea that this film is of a science fiction genre as medicinal issues are often used to explain events that occur within these types of films. For example, a disease can be linked to zombies in horror-science fiction films.
The next shot is several establishing shots of what was once the bustling streets of New York, is now an overgrown haven of bushes and demolition graveyards of buildings. This shot is used to show us that after three years since the news broadcast, there is no one left. It gives the feeling of unease as the streets are completely deserted without any sign of human life anyway. It further highlights the fact that medical science has failed and has caused the human population to decline so drastically, that even one of the busiest cities in the world has turned into a jungle after a short period of time. These scenes of overgrown and deserted streets are iconographic of any apocalyptic film as it is an instantly recognizable sign that there is little life left - there are no people to take care of the world which allows nature to slowly take over what were once industrialized cities. This particular use of iconography can be used to create the sense of an apocalyptic genre. There are several pans used within these shots which are used to show the audience the full scale of the decay left behind by mankind after they all disappeared. Also, the use of light and shadows work well as it allows New York to appear dimmer and duller, in a complete binary opposition to the place that once used to be 'the city that never sleeps'. Whilst these shots are on screen, all that is heard is the sound of a slight breeze and a very quiet group of birds whistling softly. This is used to further convey the serenity in New York. This creates almost a sense of unease as it's too quiet, which is another element that is often used in apocalyptic films. It's used to show us there is no one left.
The next scene begins with a birds eye view moving over the city, following a car driving down the road. The music starts to crescendo at this point whilst echoing. This can be used to signify the emptiness of the city which instantly creates an enigma.
Who is this person? Is it only them? What are they doing here? Then we hear the sound of the car engine which tells us there is someone who is still alive.
This is the first time we are introduced to the main character, Robert Neville. The next few minutes of the movie is of him hunting down deers, trying to kill to kill them for food. This brings in the first and only representation of the opening title sequence. It represents males as the dominant sex as he is the one who is hunting and bringing home the food. It isn't made clear if there is anyone else but as far as we know it is just him and the dog, Sam. This furthers the idea that males are stronger as he is the only one left-he is the only one left. Whilst the action scene is taking place, there is no music but only the sound of his car engine and the loud thumping of the deer's hooves as they run away. This helps to create sense of loneliness which is often portrayed within apocalyptic films. It also helps to portray the horror element within the film as there is the perfect set up for a jump scare. When he finds a deer it is eerily quiet and then a lion attacks it. Again, there is still no music within that scene which helps to perfectly execute the scene of hidden dangers which is a popular element used within horror-sciene fiction hybrid films. The camera follows the car and Neville as the action continues, which gives us the feeling that we are there alongside him, watching the action unfold. However, it also gives the sense that we are following him, that we are the enemies.
The final scene is of a panoramic shot moving upwards, focussing the audience's attention on the buildings, but more importantly, the line of the shadows as sun begins to set. Whilst this is happening, the music from the previous aerial shot returns and builds up again into a crescendo. This intensifies the scene by creating tension and adding in enigma.
Why does he have to leave? What will happen if he stays out after dark? After the action scene, it appears that the audience would be aimed at those aged 12 and above as it contains a lot of action whilst showing a graphic scene of a deer being killed by a lion. Also, a good science fiction apocalyptic film is made for those of an older age as it contains elements that younger children would find upsetting. For example, this film includes infected zombie human hybrids.
After this action scene, the movie title appears on screen very abruptly after an almost 10 minute clip. This is very unusual for a film as the title sequences only last around 2-3 minutes.
The title itself is of a white writing set against a black background. The stark contrast of colours used is to make the title clearly visible so the audience knows what they're watching. This is the final part of the title sequence so it ends with the film title.
This isn't usually the case in films as it includes other conventions such as the actors names and key crew members. There is no sign of these in the opening credits. I think this is so that the audience is directly pulled into the film from the very beginning along with the use of dialogue starting straight away in the production and distribution company's logos.
Other than that, it contains a range of shots and angles along with a nicely detailed scene of Neville's life after the event happened. However, in my opening sequence I will be including credits and I'll be taking one or two similar elements from the film.
Until next time,
Toni
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