Title Research: Hostage

I found the title sequences for the film "Hostage" on the website "Watch the Titles."

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence film?

In the film, "Hostage" there is a total of 30 titles. The titles comprise of producers, editors, actors, directors, etc. The very last title is directed by Florent Siri.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

At the beginning of the title sequences there is just a plain background including the film companies names. The sequence later transitions into a war ravaged city filled with cops, and other buildings. The city contains a multitude of buildings, cops, helicopters, guns, cars, etc.

What connotations do the images carry?

The images contain a dangerous and violent connotation to them while being dramatic at the same time. The images all resemble a place of war and fighting. Each image is detailed and dramatic while being connected to the plot of the film. The images transition from one part of the city to the next. An example of this in the film is going from a street, to a house, to a prison.

How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The films dramatic genre is reinforced through multiple symbols and technical codes throughout the outset. The police, guns, and helicopters in a deserted city resembles war and violence which is most likely included in the film. There's also a house that is red while everything around it is black and white; from context on the movies name and the sequences the red house is probably where the hostage is located. Furthermore, the author uses very explicit images such as police officers holding guns, helicopters flying around, etc. After the final title sequence the film begins with a scene of a panicked man in a house holding a gun on his head while screaming on the phone. Following the sequences is audio. The audio provides an intense feeling to viewers listening. Combining the audio and slick editing supplies a magnificent outset. Many of the editing techniques used were jump cuts, cutaways, fade-in, etc. All these elements contribute into the genre reinforcement for this film.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 

The film establishes an enigma for the outset, because of the viewers confusion on what's happening in the movie. The audience may have a brief understanding of the film, but they have no clue what is occurring in it or the back story to it. These puzzling features of the outset leaves people fascinated, forcing them to continue to watch, to see the result of the movie.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The use of colors and emotional imagery helps appeal to its targeted audience. The dark colors throughout the outset gives a very sinister and dramatic tone to the film. For instance, emphasizing the red house around buildings that have an absence in color could be intriguing to viewers. 

How has technology been used effectively? 

Technology was effectively used throughout the whole title sequence. Editors put names and titles on objects in the sequence. For example, titles were on guns, buildings, stairs, etc. None of this could be possible without technologies innovation. To add on, the audio and editing techniques were all used through a computer program to enhance the movie. Continuing to use technology will benefit the overall films content.