Research | Different Types of Film Openings

There are 4 main types of film openings, there are; Discrete, Stylized, Narrative and Credits over a blank screen.

Discrete openings are usually titles and sequences that stand apart from the film itself, it tries to give out as little information as possible. An example of this would be from the film Arlington Road.

This screen shot from the opening shows the title placed upon a shot which doesn't give away any plot information, this is effective because its creates an eerie setting and makes you eager to tee something to do with the story, it also allows you to focus on the titles a long with Idents and actor names.

Stylized openings are very fun and developed, they are heavily edited titles that take up lots of time in post-production. The Taking of Pelham 123 is a perfect example of this because as you can see the titles are much more animated and they connect more with the film and nature of the titles.




Narrative openings are when the text overlaps the film sequence, such as in The Shining, as the car moves and shows a short journey, the titles roll over it all the way. It differes from he rest because it's really visible and creates a slow and creepy feeling unlike The Taking Of Pelham 123 which is very fast paced and upbeat.

Lastly we have titles over a black screen which are presented perfectly by Donnie Darko as they show all the Idents, producers and Actors first and then proceed to give footage. This is a really bod effect and gives off mystery as you only see names and nothing else, it also adds tension as to what the opening will be and what you'll see first.