Title Research: Scary Movies to Tell in the Dark

 1. What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

Several different titles are shown in the opening sequence of a movie. In this particular opening sequence, the director, studio, producers, music supervisors, screenwriters, directors of photography, editors, costume designers, casting directors, and the actors were all displayed. 

 
2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The images with blood and/gore in them were prioritized in the opening sequence. They prioritize these scenes because they are captivating and go with the harsh, black and red color scheme of the background. The clips with the actors and the director included these dramatic backgrounds, because they wanted those people to be prioritized in terms of recognition. 

3. What connotations do these images carry? 

The connotations of these images are eerie and mysterious. These connotations are made using a scary and “haunted” font. Also, by editing the images and clips so that each title card was “swiped” off the screen. This editing is purposeful and presents a more frightening connotation in the images. The images create an ominous environment that translates into discomfort for the audience.  

 
4. How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? 

Through editing, the film is clearly established as a thriller from just the first few scenes. The fade-ins and outs of the text establish a sense of suspense and tension. Also, the red and black color scheme creates a mysterious effect on the opening sequence overall. With this, and the melancholy, eerie music that slowly played over the sequence, the film establishes itself as a conventional thriller. 

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

The film makes sure to appeal to its target audience of spooky, thriller movie fans. The film achieves this by scoring the opening scene with spooky, ominous music and editing the text onto the screen in such a way that adds suspension to the movie. Also, the color scheme for the opening scene is a dark red and black; which are colors that have the conventions of representing danger, evil, and uneasiness. This appeals to the film’s target audience of thriller fans by creating an unsettling environment that most thriller movies try to achieve for their viewers. 

 
6. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles,  
transitions and editing techniques. 

The technology was very effectively used to establish the genre of the film. Technology was used to edit in quick cuts and transitions from each title card to another. Technology was also used effectively when incorporating different colors and designs that fit the film’s aesthetic. This editing helped create suspense, tension, and uneasiness in the sequence. The use of technology made it possible to achieve this while still setting the mood for the rest of the film, proving its effectiveness.