Thriller Credit Sequences

So… Now that we’ve analyzed the openings for Taken, Se7en, and Gone Girl, it’s time to analyze the credit sequences for each. It is essential that my partner and I learn from the greats so that we can take the techniques used in these major productions into our portfolio project.

Taken:

    The credit sequence for Taken is overall very simple. The fast visuals create a sense of realism and urgency. The sequence prioritizes the action rather than the psychological tension seen in the movie. The music used is very calm in order to get the audience's guard down for what's to come next.

 

Because the credit sequence uses a very simple title, the first few scenes create Bryan Mills' character as a disciplined man with a very “particular set of skills.” The sequence doesn’t use any extra visuals to push the audience’s attention the sense of urgency and speed that is normally seen throughout the thriller genre.

Se7en:

Se7en's credit sequence creates discomfort in the audience psychologically through the use of rapid cuts, close-ups, and disturbing visuals. The shots of the notebook, knives, and photos suggest that this person has an obsession of sorts, which remains present throughout the entire film.

The weird letters and flashy frames add to the unease that the audience is feeling, which is followed by non-diegetic audio that adds a feeling of discomfort. All this works together to make sure the audience knows that they are about to watch a thriller movie where the antagonist of the film changes the way in which the movie is perceived.

Gone Girl:

    

 

The credit sequence for Gone Girl is overall very minimalistic, through the use of simple titles and calm colors. This was most likely done in order to create tension early on in the film instead of instantly getting to the action.

The credit sequence is very slow-paced due to it holding back information, leading the audience to wonder what is to come next. This is a very big theme that is later explored in the film, which is seen in many movies within the thriller genre