Research - Structure of a Film Opening

Structure of a Film Opening

Film openings follow a certain structure in order to introduce the film and its theme. When looking at film openings, there are three main basic structures which are: narrative openings with tittles running throughout, discrete tittle sequences, and tittles over a blank screen. In addition, there is also an stylised editing which usually contains a mixture of all of the structures together. 

- Narrative openings usually have tittles running throughout and they start at the beginning of the clip. The tittles can either be superimposed or intercut. 

- Discrete tittle sequences have shots or images that stand apart from the film with tittles. These shots or images may be related to the theme of the film which could also be used as an introduction to the plot.

- Tittles over a blank screen are followed by a narrative opening. After the tittles stand alone on a black background, the opening of the film starts next. 

- Stylised editing openings usually have a mixture of all these editing techniques in order to build up tension and make it easier to build up the plot. 

For example, the tittle sequence for 'The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo' follows a narrative opening because of the way the titles are introduced. As you can see in the clip below, the images that make the tittle sequence are all building up the plot because they can combine with the tittle and the music so it makes sense of what the movie might be about. The titles follow these images whilst creating tension for the viewers. This is an example of a narrative opening.