Title Research: Dial M for Murder

There were 12 titles in the opening sequence. This movie was made in 1954, so it contrasted with the other sequences. For example, most opening sequences are around 2 minutes. However, this opening sequence was a little more than a minute. In addition to this, most thriller and suspense movies have dark colors in the opening sequence. This movie mainly had darker colors, but there were a few brighter colors like reds. There were only 2 different angles in this scene. There was a close up of an old retro phone. However, this was a commonly used phone at the time. Then, there was an extreme close up of the dial pad. This opening sequence didn't have much of a thrilling feeling. However, towards the end of the sequence, there was a violin in the background. Violins are stereotyped for suspense, which is related to thriller movies. It is apparent that the movie is supposed to be a crime thriller, even if the opening sequence doesn't have a lot of thriller aspects. https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/dial-m-for-murder/

Title Research: Seven

Extreme close-ups of things such as someone holding a razor blade, someone crosses out words in a book, and a photograph being processed in a red room, are prioritized in the opening to represent the danger that is being posed as the film progresses which abides by the conventions of the thriller genre. The images also create an enigma by making the audience wonder who or what is the antagonist in the film. When the titles for the actors appeared, they put well-known actors, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, first which attracts people who are fans of their work to watch the film. There were 30 titles. www.watchthetitles.com

 

Title Research: Split

There were 22 titles in this opening. Images that signify what is occurring in the opening, for example, an extreme close up of the ceiling passing by then an extreme close up of a girl being pushed on what seems like a hospital bed, are prioritized. The thriller genre is reinforced by these clips because they show what is happening in the scene, but doesn't provide background information on why this event is happening, therefore creating an enigma. This creates a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere which are elements of the thriller genre. The transitions used to go from one title to the next resembles security cameras, which can allude to the movie being about a stalker which also adds suspense. The slow tempo background music establishes an ominous environment early on in the film which attracts people who enjoy thrillers and horror films. www.artofthetitle.com

Title Research: Venom

There were 23 titles in this opening. Black, white, and red images of paint splatters were prioritized in the opening. They alluded to the main focus of the film which is an alien called Venom, who has black skin, white eyes, and eats humans. The symbols in the outset reinforce the conventions of the thriller genre because the ominous color scheme creates anticipation because it makes the viewers feel as though a scary antagonist may appear. The color red also signifies danger which can make the audience expect tension and violence. The images created by the black, white, and red paint splatters also help the film abide by the thriller genre because they emphasize that Venom has a distinct look that seems threatening, therefore establishing an enigma if the creature in the pictures is a friend or foe. The editing used to create the transitions of the outset was effective in peaking the curiosity of the viewers because it makes them question what the creature in the transitions, Venom, is. The film is based on Marvel comics, which is stated in the titles, which attracts the film's target audience, Marvel fans. www.artofthetitle.com

 

Watch the Titles Website Research

The second website I researched was Watch the Titles. This website allowed me to watch many opening sequences. I was able to search many types of title sequences. It ranged from student films to feature films. I could also click on certain studios. This was helpful because certain studios do similar genres. This made my search for thriller movies much easier. I could also search for particular movies. This was helpful because I could watch the opening sequence that I was previously thinking about. This website allowed me to further my research in thriller. For example, I was able to find designers and studios that create thriller movies. I was able to watch the opening credits because of this. In addition to this, the website was easy to navigate. This allowed my research to go quickly. Overall, I learned a lot from this particular website.

Art of the Title Website Research

The first site I researched was Art of the Title. This site allows me to watch the opening sequence of many movies and T.V shows. On this website, I was able to search for specific movies and genres. This was helpful because I was able to see particular opening credits. I was also able to filter the movies by the filming companies. This is helpful because I could look at movies that specific companies made. In addition to this, I could also filter it by designers. For example, if  I wanted a movie by Angus Wall, I would click on his name. The website also gave recommended opening sequences.They also along had a list of some of the best ones of 2019. This website made it easy for the user understand and navigate.  Underneath each movie, there was a short summary. This site taught me many things. For example, I now can identify genres by the opening sequence of a movie. Overall, the website was easy to navigate, and it was helpful with my research.

Genre Research: 47 Meters Down

Camera Angles: Throughout the film, many two shots, wide shots, and close-ups were used.

Costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, setting: Film set at a tropical resort in Mexico so the actors are wearing summer clothing and bathing suits and have little to no makeup. The setting changes to underwater when the main characters go diving.  Natural lighting is mostly used. The two actresses are playing the roles of sisters. In the beginning of the film, the siblings are happy and enjoying their trip. But then they get frightened when they go diving. Props used are scuba diving gear, cell phones, and a metal cage. 

Sounds: Diegetic sounds in the film are people talking about waves and splashing. A non-diegetic sound was the fast tempo background music used during high action scenes. 

Editing: Inserts of text messages. Ambient music added to create a happy or suspenseful vibe. CGI used to make the sharks in the film. There were many jump cuts throughout the movie.

Elements of thriller in the movie: Symbols that foreshadow something bad happening, like the drink spilling the pool. Sharks attacking the main characters makes the audience feel on edge. 

What elements of the genre did you like? I like that the film reminded me of Jaws which is a film I really enjoy. Thriller movies typically aren't underwater, so that was a different change that I enjoyed.

What elements of the genre didn't you like? The sharks didn't look that realistic to me. Instead, they looked mechanic.