Holiday Homework - Research 1

Holiday Homework - Research 1

Boardwalk Empire

The title sequence from Boardwalk Empire is a narrative title opening sequence. It is a very modern title sequence and uses a lot of effects and styles. There is a use of cinematography, which I believe is used very well. I really enjoyed this opening sequence as it carefully used camera work, sound and mise-en scene to its benefit. The use of the editing draws the reader in as it focuses on certain objects. The sound also works with the clip. It set's and supports the mood that the clip is also portraying. This gives us a general feel on what to expect throughout the film. Mise-en-scene is also used to create suggestions and questions. We see the water and weather play a huge part in suggesting certain things to the audience. As the water comes across the characters shoes we may think that he is being 'cleansed' of his past mistakes. This use of the water can symbolize a new start or beginning The weather also adds to this feel as once the water begins to draw away from the guy and back into the sea the weather becomes darker and gloomier which may suggest that the weather is taking in his bad deeds and actions. We feel as though we are seeing a shift and transition in the guys character in the movie. As he walks away, he walks towards a much brighter and clearer area and he's shoes have been washed clean by the water, which also suggests that he is almost a new person.

Catch Me If You Can

This film opening uses a stylized title sequence which I found very interesting. It was something different and very unique so caught my eye. The titles (names) it's self is used in a very different way as it interacts with the movie. Letters are prolonged and almost become a part of the film. The titles are also manipulated to become objects such as bridges and doorways. I found this very interesting as it can engage the audiences mind to start looking out for these manipulated titles thus almost absorbing the audience further in. We begin to pay a lot more attention to even the smallest of details and start to unravel the clues put in front of us. This is a very clever and creative attempt to gain the interest of the audience.

Like Boardwalk Empire there is also a lot of symbolism used in this opening as much is not given away. We are left trying to make up our own reasons for each shot. However despite this we can still create a general feel on what the movie will be about. The sound also helps to suggest what we can expect. There seems to be a sort of 'chase-music' playing which is supported by what we can see.