Opening Sequences

 Purpose Of An Opening sequence:
An opening sequence sets the scene, by showing the viewer where it's based and by giving them a rough idea of what is,  has and will happen without giving away too much. The opening sequence can also give clues to the genre or tone of the film.

Difference between Opening Credits and Title Sequence:
Opening credits and a title sequence serve different purposes in a film's introduction. The cast and crew is typically shown as opening credits, usually displayed in a text format over the first scene or a display. On the other hand, a title sequence incorporates animations, theme-related pictures, and music, which set the tone of the film, and serves a more designed purpose. Sections are displayed together in a unified manner that tells the audience what the section is about without having to put that into words. While credits are there just to provide information, a title sequence serves as the first part of the story and serves a more complex purpose.

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?
 - Freeze framing:  a single frame is held on screen for an extended period, creating the effect of a still          image. This is achieved by pausing the motion of the film while the soundtrack may continue.

 -Distressed vector-styled graphics: digital graphic designs that incorporate a worn, aged, or roughened      appearance while maintaining the scalability and precision of vector graphics. These graphics often use      textures, irregular edges, and faded elements to create a vintage, gritty, or hand-crafted aesthetic.

 - 2D-Styled Graphics in 3D Environments: the technique of integrating flat, two-dimensional visual elements into a three-dimensional space. This creates a unique visual contrast between depth and flatness, often used film title sequences to achieve a stylized, artistic look.

James Bond Skyfall
The opening sequence of Skyfall achieves the primary purposes of an opening sequence through a combination of surreal imagery, symbolic storytelling, and seamless transitions. The recurring themes of weapons, gravestones and skulls clearly convey the themes of the movie, while hinting at some events in the plot without revealing too much.

Psycho - Alfred Hitchcock
The opening sequence of Psycho effectively achieves the purpose of an opening sequence by establishing the film’s tone, introducing key themes, and immersing the audience in its unsettling atmosphere. The sequence immediately establishes tension and unease through the sharp musical score. The rapid, screeching string composition foreshadows the psychological distress and violence in the film. The opening credits visually suggest instability and confusion through rapid graphic animation, reflecting the film’s psychological themes. However when compared to Skyfall, the foreshadowing, symbolism, and visual enjoyment is definitely lacking.

Parasite (2019)
The opening sequence of Parasite is a masterful example of how an opening sequence establishes tone, introduces themes, and immerses the audience in the film’s world. The world of Parasite is immediately introduced with a muted color pallete, which reflects the characters’ financial struggles and lack of vibrancy in their lives. When compared to the other films, this one definitely has a very different approach to the opening sequence, by using upbeat music, the only hint to a possible scare factor in the future is the muted/ earthy colours, which, alone wouldn't usually be something that indicates danger.