The main purpose of opening sequences is to show the audience the opening credits or give some subtle but important information about the events yet to happen in the film. These credits tend to include the main roles of the creation of the film, typically the main cast members and directors.
What is the difference between an opening sequence and a title sequence?
A title sequence is an opening sequence that is separate from the action of the film. An example of this is in Skyfall (2012). In this sequence the opening credits are shown with a song in the background that is specifically written for the film and the content on screen is abstract and not directly part of the story.
What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?
This is a link to the website where i got the following examples.
Techniques: 2D styled graphics in a 3D environment. This was done using motion capture technology. The main difference between this film and other James Bond films is the lack of 'Bond girls' which challenged the stereotype.
Stills:
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Techniques: Freeze framing and introducing layers of illustration with ink bleeding effects. This was inspired by vintage newspaper headlines and old ink drawings. This has an effect that links to the setting which is 1800's England.
Stills:
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Techniques: Trapcode plugins for sand and particle trail effects. This links to the setting of a desert and the lack of water that Bond has. The title sequence then includes the classic iconographies of a James Bond film, Bond girls etc. The sand trail effect is used for things such as the bullet exiting a gun.
Stills:
Modern Thriller: Skyfall (2012)
The beginning of the sequence is at the end of the opening scene as with most James Bond films. Bond is seen falling into water and that is where the abstract aspect enters the sequence. In terms of editing there are long takes with hidden cuts so that the camera movement appears very smooth and clean. The effect created is that it is a very complicated situation that Bond has got himself caught up in. The knifes and other weapons falling to the bottom of the ocean are clear iconography of the genre, an action thriller.
Stills:
Hitchcock Thriller: Vertigo (1958)
Hitchcock utilises abstract but simple camera movements and graphics. The extreme close-ups of the character's face hint at the suspense that could be present in the film. This feeling is then supported by the simple yet foreboding graphic that is shown after a smooth transition inside the character's eye. The spinning graphic gives a nod to the title of the film Vertigo and it links to the lack of control one would feel in such a situation.
Stills:
Comparison
The main differences in between Skyfall and Vertigo is the amount of complexities in their title sequences. Vertigo arguably takes a minimalist approach with not much being displayed on the screen throughout. It is kept very simple. However with Skyfall there is a lot packed into a few minutes of opening credits. But it is very abstract and it does not really tell a story either, much like Vertigo but shows the overall tone and implies some of the film's themes. Each sequence succeeds in it's purpose though as they display the important people in the process of making the film and gives some, if subtle information about what is to come in the film.
In conclusion all these films use very different techniques for their title sequences and they all succeed in their purpose.
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