Credit Sequences

Time to analyze some opening credits!

Now, we are starting to dissect the openings of films even further by looking at their credit sequences. In this blog, I will be looking into three very different credit sequences in the drama genre. I always thought credits were boring – however, when I started to pay attention to them, I realized that, when done well, they really add something to the introduction of the movie. They have the ability to capture the audience’s attention all while providing some clues about the theme and overall mood of the movie. They really do add to the storytelling. Again, I’m rating them in the order of my favorites (as I think about what I want our opening to look like).

The Social Network has the opening credits I like best for our project. The opening credits follow an intense conversation between Mark Zuckerberg and his girlfriend, Erica, in a bar. Mark's condescending attitude leads Erica to break up with him. After this five-minute dialogue, the scene shifts to Mark walking quickly and, at times jogging, through Harvard's campus at night. The credits are simple, with white text placed on the sides of the screen. The stands out against the dark screen and keeps the focus on Mark. There is subtle background music which just helps in setting the film's tone. It is simple and does not force the audience to cut away from the movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvap4gEOC5I

Good Will Hunting begins with credits displayed over images of books and mathematical equations coming in and out of focus. This immediately introduces the audience to the fact that they will be dealing with some type of character that might be a mathematical genius or will be pursuing some type of academic journey in the film. Displaying the credits this way provides a foreshadowing of the theme. It’s worth mentioning that this is done with no dialogue or characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P1QDCyMxhI

In Catch Me If You Can, the opening credits are displayed along with animated stick figures. It has the audience follow a man (assumed the protagonist) through many different settings like airports, hospitals, banks and so on. The audience gets an idea that they will be following him throughout the movie as he tries to evade something or someone. It has a retro feel with jazz music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaLDyrun_Cc