13. Analysis of Title Sequences

In this post I will be analysing 2 different title sequences:

The Stepfather (2009)

Macro analysis

This title sequence uses titles on a moving screen. The key storyline introduced in this opening sequence is very clear; a family man (the stepfather) kills a family. This made very obvious as we are following a man who is surrounded by a dead family. The order of the plot is presented chronologically as we can see the man who has just killed this family moving on and driving away (to his next victims). However, there is one flashback of a girl screaming, presumably because of her killer. The characters introduced in this opening sequence are the stepfather (as he is the first and only live character introduced) and the dead family. This is a clear representation of a white modern family, though this representation is not positive but negative as we know that this man has killed the entire family and we can only assume he is going to do so to another.

Micro analysis

Mise en scene – In this title sequence the audience can see that the characters are in a very suburban location, telling them that these people are an average mundane family. Inside the house the audience can see a Christmas tree, which usually connotes happiness, however is juxtaposed as there is a dead family inside the house. The use of props like bloody weapons in the sink adds tension to the sequence as the audience can tell how violent the killer is, but also how organised he is. Typically killers are careless with their weapons, though this is different as he places them in the sink, as if they were to be cleaned. The low lighting is also another effective part of the mise-en-scene as it accentuates the eerie atmosphere.

Camera – As any typical movie begins, there is an establishing shot. This shot is of houses along a road shown through a pan and a tracking shot, a common aspect found in horror movies. There is also a medium close-up of the main character as he is shaving, with all his utensils shown in a previous close-up shot. All the panning shots (likes those of the picture along the tables near the stairs) add to the piece emphasising the normality of the family. However there are countered angles that go against everything normal in the sequence. For example there is a countered angle of a dead body, highlighting how unnatural everything is.

Sound – the use of sound in the sequence is very effective. From the beginning of the sequence eerie music is playing and progressively gets louder. The use of diegetic sound from the radio also adds effect as it plays peaceful Christian hymns and the audience can see a Christmas tree. However, the fact that there are dead bodies creates the thought that peace has been disturbed in this area. This is also heightened as the music is played in a minor key. 

Editing – The editing in this sequence is also very effective as it is done from his point of view. We, the audience are constantly watching his actions and everything around him, we are seeing what he is seeing. The editing is also slow and not fast paced. There is enough time for the audience to understand what is going on in the sequence. This also help reinforce the fact that we are seeing everything the main character is seeing. There is also a flashback edited in the sequence as the main character remembers something that happens. This is easy for the audience to pick up as there is an almost dream like filter on the shot. 

Order of sequence:

1.       Company ident

2.       Company presents

3.       Distribution company

4.       The title of the movie

5.       The main character (7 total lone actors in their own shot)

6.       Other actors (more than 1 character shown between the two shots)

7.       Casting of actors (name)

8.       Costume designer’s name

9.       Music supervisor’s name

10.       Music producer’s name

11.       Editor’s name

12.       Production designer’s name

13.       Director of photography’s name

14.       Executive producers name

15.       The director’s name

Halloween (1978)

Macro analysis
This title sequence is quite different from that of The Stepfather. In this title sequence, no real storyline is introduced to the audience. All the audience can assume at this point is that something bad will happen on Halloween. Only at the end are the audience introduced to a family (which they can not see) who are singing in their house. As the audience can not see them no social/racial groups are represented. The audience are then to assume that they are going to be murdered. The story starts right at the beginning of the movie.

Micro analysis
Mise-en-scene -   In this title sequence the titles are placed on a black background with a lit pumpkin to the right of it. This reinforces that it is Halloween as this is the only time Jack O'Lanterns are out. At the end of the sequence, a white house comes into shot, telling the audience that the movie is starting. The fact that the house is white connotes that the family inside are pure and innocent -  they should not be harm, though this is ironic as the audience assume that they will be killed.

Camera - At the beginning of the sequence, the only thing in shot is the pumpkin which is placed towards the left side of the frame. The camera moves forward making the pumpkin appear closer and closer as it is right to the left of the shot. This creates a creepy atmosphere as if the pumpkin is coming for the audience. After this there is a shot of the house. However the camera moves like it is from the point of view of a person (the killer) as they move from their hiding position behind the bush and walk towards the house. 

Sound - The music in this sequence is very atmospheric as it builds up suspense, as if it is telling the audience how they will feel during the movie. It sets the tone and prepares the audience for what is to come. Towards the end they have a family (presumably the one inside the house) singing a Halloween song. This once again reinforces the idea that this family are pure and nice people and that their deaths will be unfortunate.

Editing - There is not much editing in this piece apart from the added in titles. The titles are slow, making their appearance much more eerie. Also adding to the disturbing atmosphere, the text is in orange like the pumpkin, making this seem more scary like any typical Halloween movies would.


Order of sequence:
- Company ident
-  Big actor stars in...
-  A director's film
- The title of the movie
- The production
- Main characters (4 lone characters)
- Other characters (placed on screen the same time)
- Screen play by
- Director of photography
- Editors' names
- Music by
- Associate producer
- Production manager
- Production designer
- Executive producer
- Producer
- Director