Structures of film openings

Film openings can be portrayed in many different ways, and the type of structure that a film follows is chosen to signify the genre of the film and also the key themes that may be entwined within it.

DISCRETE TITLE SEQUENCE

A "discrete" title sequence is a film opening which has the credit titles running over the beginning of the film, with images/action taking place in the background. Films which use the conventions of discrete title sequences do not have narrative voiceovers, and often do not introduce key characters. Instead, they use music to reflect the film's mood and often include a sense of time manipulation.

An example of this can be seen in ENEMY OF THE STATE.

In this film, the titles are overlapping the film's footage. In this instance, the film takes on the genre of action and this is signified by the fast-pace of the opening clips. No characters are shown properly; you simply get a sense of a busy city, which is a way of setting the film's mood.

ARLINGTON ROAD

The screenshot above depicts the ways in which ARLINGTON ROAD hints at it's thrilling themes - the film uses colour filters, tinting everything in bloody red. The film opening also uses overlapping images and jumpy shots, disorientating the viewer. This is the way in which it signifies that something not quite right will happen in the film and may be, in places, disturbing and strange.

TITLES OVER A BLANK SCREEN
This is a common way of introducing titles in films, and is used in the film MEMENTO. The credits simply appear on a black background, with the film's footage appearing after the film's title to make it stand out