Sunday, 20 October 2013

Title sequence- textual analysis of Strange Days

The opening title sequence of Strange Days shows the extract all filmed from one of the criminals perspective. It starts off with situational titles showing four basic pieces of information to which it transitions to a extreme close -up to the characters eye, and then to a Steadicam showing that characters point of view. It helps convey the thoughts, feeling and emotions of the character in the extract to the audience, similarly to Se7en giving an incite into the criminals mind.  
Here is a nine frame analysis of Strange Days title sequence



Follow this link to watch the title sequence {Strange Days (1995) — Art of the Title}

In the title sequence there are several techniques which conform to genre:

  1.  It conforms to genre via the us of disorientation, the use of the Steadicam makes the audience feel confused and lost making it difficult to follow the plot and understand the location. Thrillers often try to confuse the audience to intrigue them so they watch the whole film.
  2. Dialogue is used in the extract to create a atmosphere and help provide information to the audience to build an understanding of the plot. Stereotypically, thrillers have a deep plot with a confused narrative in which the audience are guided to use key pieces of information to piece together and create a understanding.  
  3. Similarly to the other two opening sequences I have analysed- Strange Days has low key lighting with little contrast in colours which hides the identity and surrounding of the characters creating further disarray. The low key lighting represents the protagonists and mimics their hidden identity.
I dislike this as an title sequence the most as it didn't focus much on the titles and the plot was too confusing although the use of a Steadicam was unique to the other title sequences i have seen/analysed. 



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