Analysis of Opening Title Sequences

Talented Mr RipleyAnthony Minghella1999

Titles used

How are the titles presented?The titles are sans-serif, white and bold. The text is portrayed on a black background, but behind this black are images of Matt Damon, which are cut into shapes. One shot shows the cut right down the centre on the shot, implying he has a split personality. Eventually, Matt Damon appears through these jagged pieces of shot, which suggest glass shards. Apart from the companies that produced the film, the most important names appear first, in this case being Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law. At the very end of the title sequence, before the word ‘talented’ appears in the name of the film, a mixture of different words appears in its place, including ‘mysterious’, ‘secretive’ and ‘lonely’. This shows that he has other sides to him, thus introducing us more to the character.

How are they supported by the soundtrack?The music behind the text is very slow, and this is supported by the text as it moves in a very slow motion, along with the jagged pieces of the opening scene.

Mise en sceneWhat is the first shot?Apart from the company logos, the first shot is of a black screen, slowly being ‘cracked’, revealing Matt Damon through the shreds.

What elements of the location/setting in the first scene indicate the genre?

It is hard to tell where exactly he is, but from the lampshade next to him, and the window in the background, it is only presumable that he is in a bedroom. The next shot shows him outside, playing the piano, whilst a woman sings with him. There’s a shot from above which shows us a lot of people are there. This could mean he’s at a party. Although this does not denote usual things we relate to a Thriller film, we can tell it is because the beginning is far too happy for things to pan out well.

What does the first scene tell us about the character?The first scene tells us he is musical because he is playing the piano. This is important because we get to know a little bit more about his personality, and that he isn't just anyone.

How is the narrative introduced?The narrative is introduced with a voiceover. Whilst Matt Damon plays the piano, he’s goes on to tell us “If I could just go back. If I could rub everything out” which tells us that he regrets something, and this brings us into the storyline, and we get to understand more about the character.

How is the atmosphere created? How is this a typical thriller film?

The atmosphere is created through the music in the very beginning; the music which accompanies the main title sequence, before the narrative begins.

Camera shots, angles and movement

Titles appear with jagged shapes slowly revealing Matt Damon

180 degree turn around him Name of movie appears – covering his eyes – makes him seem secretive

Transition as clip moves into another clip with more jagged movements

Close up of hands playing pianoTilt to close up of Matt Damon’s face

Another quick tilt to reveal woman singing Pan round to see woman’s audience Overhead shot – see whole party

Sound Track

Music Sound EffectsThere aren’t many sound effects. Behind the opera singer, you are able to hear bird calls, and then afterwards there is a loud clapping from the audience.

DialogueThe dialogue featured is not spoke, it is a voiceover from Matt Damon, who goes on about wanting to change what he’s done in the past, starting with a jacket. There is then a small bit of dialogue from members of the party who congratulate Matt Damon and the opera singer for such a great performance.

The music is really slow which goes with the title sequence as its very slow and calm. The music is quite eerie and has a sense of uneasiness about it. It’s quite high pitched, and comprises of pianos, a female singer and a string instrument. The music then turns into real life as the piano is now Matt Damon playing it, and the opera singer sings the part that was sung by the other female singer.