Film Opening Sequence Conventions

The main purpose of an opening sequence of a film is to essentially intrigue the audience into gaining an interest of the storyline. Directors also often use opening sequences to establish the scene, as well as begin the process of characterization. Aspects of the genre are also signified through the opening sequence in many films.

Several conventions can be applied to the variety of Opening sequences. For example, animations. This method is effective due to the fact that it portrays the unique nature of the opening sequence, making it stand out amongst the rest of the film.
I feel the animation effect is signified well in the opening sequence of "Juno" as it has established the scene efficiently as well as emphasize several enigmas to the audience in animated form. The animation usage for creating an opening scene is a creative method of establishing the film and appeals to the audience well.

Directors who aim to fulfill the conventions of a dramatic, action packed film will look to set a fast tempo on the initial stages of the scene as it immediately attracts the audience. This is an easy method of signifying the genre and it is made evident through the climactic nature of the scene.



Saving Private Ryan is a good example for the scene being established by high action and having a fast paced nature. However the saddening scenes also displayed adds an aspect of tragedy to the genre, and indicates to the audience an essential feature of the storyline.

In an opening sequence the sound is mainly either diagetic or non diagetic, diagetic being the sound we hear being played within the setting or the world of the characters. Non diagetic being the sound played over the film. Non diagetic is often effective for setting the scene and signifies to the audience the theme of the film.

Narrative enigma is essential for opening sequences in order to allow it to fill the essential purpose of intriguing the audience. This is done by setting up the scene in a certain way in which the audience are blocked from certain aspects, which produces a desire for them to find out about the enigmas. This technique is often used in all genres, but in genres such as crime or drama these enigmas may be emphasized further as it is also a method of establishing the scene.