3. Why? Name of distributor comes up first to set the standard
of the movie. Distributors that are well known for producing movies
that perform well at the box office (e.g. CBS, HBO, LIONSGATE) are
likely to reassure the audience that the film they are about to
watch will be of the same, or exceeding standard.
4. Why may the date be set? Date in large font among
predominantly dark background prepares the audience for what theyre
going to experience. Those who lived during the era experience a
sense of nostalgia or can easily identify with it
5. CBGB Small scratchy font in dark background. Blunt
statement, makes the audience feel intrigued as most people may
refer to them. Fast tempo cuts suits the dynamics of the punk music
in the background. Cut to shot of large animated font that suits
the punky theme of the film, its juxtaposed on top of the place in
question in order to give it meaning . The fast cut from small font
to large font emphasizes the instability of the era. This sense of
instability is emphasized in titles like somewhere in Connecticut
this signifies a lack of structure.
6. Small word among dark screen carries impact Answer is over a
dark screen and not placed over the basement as the words would
detract the audience from viewing the basement and thus seeing the
musical mise-en-scene that holds relevant meaning. It also allows
additional scenes to be cut between to amplify the sense of an
increasing tempo. This scene appears during title sequence to
emphasize the degree to which the audience may be wrong in order to
increase shock. The shots are used as answers, the man is placed to
the left of the shot which allows audiences to see objects around
the room that connote musical themes Posters of bands on walls
enforce the theme of musical elements
7. Here is written in large bold font and follows the punk
style theme. It is right in the middle of the screen and is
situated in front of the place in question so in terms of
mise-en-scene the audience can follow the development of the theme
through the fast tempo and placement of words. It is also large
enough so that the audience can read the name of the place CBGB and
HERE at the same time.
8. Sound CBGB Punk music throughout sequence Reinforces the
theme Creates a sense of anticipation and nostalgia Inside Llewyn
Davis Discussion can be heard in background Music starts playing,
silences discussion Implies that music is being played live, there
is an intimate anticipation. Behind the Candelabra Disco music from
beginning of titling sequence, audience know exactly what to
expect; A foreshadowing of an upbeat-tempo movie The music belongs
to a certain generation, also creates a nostalgic anticipation.
Grace Unplugged The musical accompaniment of the distributor and
producer is prioritised over any possible implement of music
linking to narrative, fails to create any certain feeling or
anticipation. However audiences may still be impressed by the
involvement of Lionsgate whos musical accompaniment of loud booming
sound also represents the size of the company.
9. Length of titling sequence Inside Llewyn Davis: 30 seconds
Behind the Candelabra: 17 seconds CBGB: 58 seconds Grace Unplugged:
38 seconds Shorter titling sequences like Behind the Candelabra and
Inside Llewyn Davis use the music during the titling sequence to
introduce narrative themes rather than physically portray visual
footage. In terms of suspense, this is useful in allowing the build
up to be satisfied by an imminent entrance into the film rather
than to wait for a prolonged time and lose anticipation. Longer
films like Grace Unplugged prioritised their titling sequences
which were rather long. CBGB did the same thing however snippets of
the narrative were included along with interactive statements for
the audience to keep their focus and anticipation intact.
Therefore, a long basic titling sequence is not favorable however
if a long titling sequence is used then interactive elements may
distract the audience during the period.
10. Summary of Codes and Conventions Most musical dramas tend
to play music that fits their genre during the title sequence. The
two movies that did the best in terms of audience ratings had the
shortest title sequences. Longer title sequences used the opening
to introduce the narrative rather than imply it. Name of
distributor is always first and is then followed by the production
company. Some titling sequences may include when the date is set,
this seems to be more of a choice than a convention. Including the
date, however, would contribute to easing the audience into the
film. None of the four movies I viewed had the name of the film in
the opening titling sequence so this may be common in movies of
this theme.
