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.

Title Research: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

I found the title sequences for the film "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" on the website "Art of the Title." 

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence film?

There are about 20 titles displayed in the film "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies." These titles consist of actors, producers, editors, directors, etc. The very last title is directed by Sam Liu.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

There are a multitude of images prioritized in the opening sequence such as characters, and symbols. At the very beginning the sequences includes an animated picture of one of the films characters. The film continues by including patriotic symbols such as the American Flag, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, etc.

What connotations do the images carry?

There are multiple connotations the images carry such as a dramatic connotation and a patriotic connotation. The whole outset involves dramatic images, dramatic audio, and dramatic editing. To add on, most of the images include patriotic symbols. The soundtrack also provides a super hero tone or connotation to go with the film.

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

The drama genre is reinforced throughout the film, because of the technical codes and symbols used. For instance, the editing involved used tons of graphic matches that you would never think of. A star into a lightning bolt is a prime example of a graphic matches used in one of the titles. There were also split screens of different images. One of the titles included superman, batman, and the film name all split on one screen. Additionally, the audio used in the sequences were vital to the film. The soundtrack gave a dramatic superhero connotation which was exactly the movie was about. Just the audio alone enhances the whole outset. Furthermore, there was plenty of symbolic images in the outset, as I previously mentioned. The White House, American Flag, Statue of Liberty, etc. all symbolize what it means to be an American and what patriotism is. All these factors play into strengthening the films genre.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The film doesn't really establish an enigma, but more a suspenseful and tense vibe to the film. It creates this anxious vibe by the images and audio included in the outset. Every title makes you think what the films about, making you want to continue to watch.

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

The strategies used were simple tapping into peoples emotions and imagination. The targeted audience for this film is generally younger or superhero fanatics. They use viewers imaginations by displaying humans with special powers and an alter ego attracting the audience. Since the audience is interested with these super humans they become emotionally attached to the characters, because they like their persona or they wish to be like them. 

How has technology been used effectively? 

The film used technology extremely effectively by appealing to viewers vision and sense of hearing. Everything about the titles sequences made you want more of the film. You get a brief understanding of the films plot, because of superhero imagery and audio. Without the amazing use of technology the film wouldn't be nearly as good as it is.

Title Research: Signs

I found the title sequences for the film "Signs" on the website "Art of the Title." 

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence film?

In the title sequences for, "Signs" there is 18 titles. These titles include actors, directors, editors,etc. The very last title is directed by M. Night Shyamalan

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

In the opening sequences there is no images whatsoever. The sequences have multiple titles including a dark blue and black background. On each background, words or name will appear. For instance, one title said "casting by Douglas Aibel" with the words being bold. 

What connotations do the images carry?

Since there are no images the background and words is what give connotation. A dark blue and background gives a mysterious and dramatic connotation to the film. Also, some of the words appear rapidly out of no where giving a dramatic effect. 

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

If i'm being honest there doesn't seem to be any symbolic codes from the outset at all. On the other hand, there is a plethora of technical codes. Much of the editing, lighting and sound differs throughout the whole title sequence. From the beginning of the sequences things start off slow from an editing standpoint. As the sequences progress titles jump cut into other titles rapidly and words swiftly brought onto the screen. The sound also starts off calm, but all of a sudden music begins to play. The music is extremely dramatic so even if there is no acting on the screen, the audio makes it seem as if something is happening. The lighting during and in between titles is also essential. Before and after a title appears a black screen will pop up, then the title sequence will slowly have light shined upon it, then the light will dim back down, and a black screen will appear again. All of these things advocate the film being in the drama genre.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 

The film establishes an enigma from the outset, because of its lack of content. There are no images or characters in the title sequences that give any information on what the movie is about. All the sequences have that give any information on the film is the audio, editing and lighting. These technical codes give off the vibe the movie has.

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

The film uses a mostly emotional strategy to appeal to its target audience. They use technical codes to give off emotion during the outset. Like I previously mentioned audio, editing, lighting, etc., all contribute to appealing to their targeted audience.

How has technology been used effectively? 

Without technologies effectiveness this brilliant title sequence couldn't have been put together. They maximized the effects of the sequences by editing the titles through technology. Additionally, they added audio and different lighting to the titles through technology. For example, there were many fade-in and fade-out transitions during the films outset.

Title Research: Watch the Titles Website

I'm using this website to research different ideas for opening sequences to my film. This website has six different categories for their title sequences covering a minimal amount of films and genres. The amount of content on this website is limited, but does have valuable information. The sequences are a bit hard to utilize because of the lack of modern relativity. Many of the film examples used are not mainstream or older films. Copying these title sequences wouldn't do my film any good, because it wouldn't captivate a modern audience. I want my title sequences to be more contemporary and engaging for viewers. On the other hand, the website did prove numerous useful techniques I could implement into my film. All title sequences shown were extremely graphic and detailed. The elaborate sequences caused me to continue to watch instead of being distracted. The constant unique imagery used in the sequences is definitely something that will benefit my film and enhance it. To add on, most of the sequences are distinctly split into two different styles. For instance,  many of the films have computer generated images during their sequences and some use real life objects. Both are effective in attracting the audience, so either or is a good option. All in all, this website was exceptionally useful in benefiting my film. because of the many techniques and details I can include.

Title Research: Art of the Title Website

I'm using this website because of the information and knowledge I can obtain from it. From the outside it seems like a credible and well organized site for me to use. It gives a multitude of title sequences from a variety of movies. I personally need to create my own title sequence for my film, so I thought this website would be a great opportunity to come up with ideas. The website provides a diverse range of genres for me too choose from. While looking at different title sequences in the drama genre I realized all drama films have similarities. Most directors make the title sequences very loud and pop out to viewers. It's only fitting because it is a dramatic movie. All the images involved in the sequences are all usually related to what the movie is about. The graphics are mostly digital, but occasionally are real life actors. Additionally, I also realized that not all people involved in the film have a title. For instance, in some sequences I viewed famous actors usually just had their name on the screen, because there really isn't a need to introduce them. On the other hand, often times films will include titles such as: directed by, edited by, etc. Furthermore, many of the films will have scenes before they introduce their title sequences. They also use slow motion and speed ups to emphasize participants in the film.

Genre Research: Joker

Throughout the entire movie there are an abundance of different camera shots, angles, and movements. When there was a conversation between different characters, the director often used shot/reverse shot to show the characters reactions and emotions. Half of the screen would be blocked by one of the characters shoulders, so the rest of the shot is on another characters face capturing what they're saying and their actions. Most of the film is viewed from an eye level angle. The reason for this is to make viewers feel like they're just an everyday citizen walking around the city. The movie uses a pan shot to establish the setting of the film. It makes viewers feel as if they were really in the movie just turning their heads. The movie also included a two shot of Arthur and his mother. They were dancing in a room of an apartment. The scene makes you feel as if you were right in the room witnessing everything. The camera is shaking and handheld giving a more realistic and natural feeling for viewers.

During conversations in the film the camera is generally stagnant unless it's showing different perspectives of the character. Besides conversation the camera is always moving during the film. There is a scene of Arthur talking to detectives outside a hospital, while they're speaking to him the different techniques in the film make you feel like you're right beside them watching. The camera is filmed from a lower angle so it may have been from the perspective of someone sitting down or someone short. What made enhanced the movie was the costume and makeup used by the joker. His mismatching suit and colorful makeup resembled a clown, but his whole appearance had a sinister and terrifying look. He had the looks of a murderer or someone that has been on drugs. The acting done by Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely phenomenal he does a great job of buying into his character and role. The way he acted was extremely dramatic and suspenseful, viewers were very entertained watching him. The film makers also did an amazing job using lighting to enhance every scene. For instance, they used low lighting when Joker was in the bathroom dancing giving a creepy and some what frightening feeling. The opening scene of Joker takes place in Gotham. It's in a city similar to New York, with multiple people walking around and a lot of noise. 

The editing in this film involves cross cutting between scenes and cutaways. The film also included a lot of different audio such as diegetic sound and music. The music was very eerie and somber matching the scenes emotion. I loved the film, because of how it different it was from what I usually watch. From acting to costumes, everything just captivated me. The only part I disliked was how I couldn't comprehend the film. I felt like there was no beginning or end to the film.

Genre Research: Hidden Figures

The camera angles of the film helped the audience to see how the whole setting of how the protagonists acted throughout the movie. The angles were for the most part set a far to capture the whole reaction of the actors in the film. It was also to create a major reaction throughout the audience of the racial discrimination the women faces in the film. The camera movements captured the faces of the actors in the movie. They also captured the ones of the setting and of the rocket flying into outer space. The movements were to grasp every part of the setting as much as they can so that the audience could see the big picture. The camera shots were mostly of the actors portraying the sadness and strength they had because of the setting and who they were born as which were African American Women in the early 1960s. The camera shots were two shots most of the time and a far shots to again see the big picture of the film.
The costumes worn in the film were ones that were worn in the work place in the 1960s. The protagonists dressed in business clothing, wearing professional dresses and accessories to appear presentable throughout the entire film. Not once in the film did they appear poorly dressed for any of the scenes. The lighting in the film played the role of focusing on the protagonists and their jobs. Using the lighting to focus on the main characters helped to portray the intensity and the amount of importance their jobs were to the project in NASA. The actors were ones of great emotion and showed the true sense of hurt and strength in the greatest levels. The actors experienced hardships and used the emotions of the real people who were represented in the film, to allow the audience to feel what they were feeling. The film creates a big reaction to the audience and it was because of the acting of of the talented women. The actresses had to remember where they were and what time they were in to play the part. The makeup used in the film was of that of street makeup. The makeup was to portray as if there was not any makeup on the actress at all. The everyday makeup in some scenes showed the lines of tiredness and hard work. The props in the film were ones of the work place. Many computers were used and there was a lot of paper involved to create the office setting. The props were also dated back to those of the 1960s. What many offices used were paper and calculators instead of fast working machines and computers. The setting of the movie was in the early 1960s in Virginia. At that time america was segregated due to the Jim Crow laws. In order for the women to have a job and make money, they had to work their way up and earn their place, especially since they were women of color.
The film had many edits that created the sense of inspiration and progression in the American workplace. The film inspired many and depicted the themes of racism and segregation. The film was created to leave a big reaction with the audience and for many people to believe in themselves no matter who they were or where they came from.