Case Study #4: The Game

1997's The Game directed by David Fincher.

The Game (1997) — Art of the Title


David Fincher's The Game, 1997, is a mystery thriller film which is constructed with the use of micro features. The opening titles show a flashback to a family at their child's birthday party. This adds to the narrative enigma as the audience question what relevance does this flashback have on the film.

The sequence begins with the company credits to which it breaks into puzzle pieces. This could refer to the 'game' which the audience needs to solve. In addition, this carries the enigma as the we question why these credits are broken into puzzle pieces and also emphasises the mystery element in the film as we are left to figure out what is happening. White simple typography is used for the title of the film yet it's effective as it's bold and strong. The use of capital letters conveys there will be an element of action in this film. Similar to the company credits the screen breaks into puzzle pieces, taking the film title name with it- again, this shows the audience needs to figure something out that happens in the film.

The audience are introduced to a young boy with his father, from a mid shot we can see the boy who  constantly looks up to his father both literally and possibly figuratively. This could tell us this film has a family element to it. Their clothing could tell us they are wealthy which is further suggested through the use of the orchestral non diegetic soundtrack. It's slow tempo adds a sense of elegance and sophistication. In addition, the music also conveys a sense of mystery within the sequence and makes the audience question whether the characters shown are hiding something. The scenes are made to look as if they are old home videos, we may know this because of the grainy affect used in the scenes and abrupt cuts in between. Furthermore, cellophane jumps are used to transition the audience from the majority of the clips creating a sense of mystery as we may question whether we are getting the full clip as we are shown short snippets through the use of abrupt cuts.

The scene flashes to a group of people in a kitchen. This use of editing could convey a flashback, giving the audience a sense of nostalgia as they watch the sequence as if they are looking back on the boy's life. Through this mid shot, the audience can see a table full of food which further suggests that the family comes from a wealthy background. We can see the use of low key natural lighting creating a sense of realism in the sequence yet the shadows can also connote there are secrets that are yet to be revealed. They characters appear, from their body language, to be calm however, a sense of mystery is created as we question the significance of this home video.

We then see a close up of a person, presumbly male, placing an ingredient into a cup. The audience can suggest that the man's white shirt looks like a lab coat, suggesting an element of science or intelligence is involved in this film. In addition, this shot could tell us that there is more to the main character than we know and throughout the film we will be discovering all aspects of his personality. This shot has various jumps to it, emphasizing the style of a home video in the sequence.

The shot then cuts to the identity of the man through the use of a mid shot. This use of match on action makes the shot flow and shows continuation from the previous shot. The audience sees the man happily smiling into the camera possibly suggesting those at the party are all friends and are enjoying their time together. A sense of community is conveyed as we can see people from different races all getting along together. The man is positioned in the center of the frame showing he is of some importance however, the mid shot does not draw a focus as his face does not fill the entire screen. This could suggest the distance between the audience and him are vast and he could play an important possibly antagonist role in the film.  

The sequence continues as a close up shows the audience of  a woman's hand arranging flowers. Throughout the scene, white is heavily used suggesting safety and purity- this could possibly represent the children in the sequence and could suggest children and/or childhood plays an important role in the film. The black gloves and pearl bracelet connotes the woman is of high class and wealth. Similar to the previous shot, match on action is used to show the audience her identity. She is positioned to the left on the frame, suggesting she is not of importance in the sequence and possibly the film.

A long shot is shown as the sequence goes on, parasols are shown in the garden and the characters, presumably waiters, are seen carrying a cake. This further establishes the family who threw the party are from a wealthy background. The classical piano music along with the style of the home video could make the audience feel uncomfortable as the shots could be seen as disturbing and eerie as we wait for something to happen.

We are put in the position of a child watching a puppet show through the use of a POV shot. The style of the puppet show could suggest these 'home videos' are set in the older times presumably the 1960s. The use of puppets could be associated with mystery and crime as commonly criminals are referred as 'puppermasters'. This may convey the main character is to take part in criminal activities in the film. The camera cuts to a long shot of the children who were watching the show. They are mostly dressed in formal attire of white clothing which can connote they are all of wealthy backgrounds.

The camera quickly cuts to a mid shot of the majority of the children leaving as the show has finished. This sharp cut could represent the pace of the film- it can be suggested, in terms of narrative, that the film will be sharp with plot twists that keep the audience interested. The abrupt cut could show how quick the puppet show lasted which could represent how quickly childhood lasts. This could be a reference to the film as the main character could feel as if his childhood went too fast as he now could be in the adulthood.

A mid shot of a person's silhouette is shown to the audience- we automatically assume it is a male due to the figure of the man. This use of low key lighting adds a sense of mystery to the sequence as the audience questions what he is hiding from us.

The sequence continues to an extreme long shot of a man walking towards the grand house. This shot shows the audience the wealthiness of the owner. It can be suggested, the owner could be this man as he is a focus in this shot- his white suit also shows his wealth and can also connote innocence. As he is walking, he abruptly turns back around and walks towards the camera. This mid shot shows us his body language, he looks as if he is hiding something, raising our suspicious on his intentions. The dullness of the shot could suggest this 'home video' is incredibly old and worn out, adding a sense of nostalgia to the sequence.

The shot cuts away to a toy boat drifting away in the water; which could represent the main character's childhood drifting further and further away from him. It can be suggested that this shot represents a calm before the storm, possibly suggesting that something bad is to happen.

Another reference to the water is constructed, this time a long shot shows a two boys pushing another boy in a swimming pool. The audience can suggest water plays a important role in the film, possibly a tragedy could happen involving water. This use of the swimming pool further shows the audience of the family's wealth.

A shot of clowns are shown, suggesting this is a child's birthday party. Although clowns have positive connotations of cheerfulness and laughter, the solemn soundtrack makes the clowns seem sinister. It can be suggested these clowns represent fear. We can suggest the main character may face a childhood fear of his in this film.

As the sequence almost comes to the end, the father and son shown at the start reappear. This time the boy is given a model boat from his father which further adds to the references to water in this sequence, it could be clear to the audience that water will play an important role in this film. The father stays for a while before leaving. His son is left looking vulnerable as he stares right in the camera not at his father. This adds a sense of uneasiness and helplessness for the audience as we want to help him but we can't. Slow motion is used as the father walks into the darkness which suggests he is walking into something we can't see. The audience can suggest he is walking into something sinister, possibly his death as we do not see him again. 

A contrast is used as a close up of the young boy is replaced with a close up of an adult man, presumably him, rising after splashing his face with water. This shot could suggest how quick we all grow up from a happy child to a miserable adult. A final reference to water is added in, furthering our suspicions and adding to the mystery of the film, a mystery we must watch on to resolve.

Case Study #3: Zombieland

2009's Zombieland directed by Ruben Fleischer. 

Ruben Fleischer’s Zombieland, 2009, is a comedy zombie film, which is constructed with the use of micro features. The opening titles show various civilians running away from zombies. This adds to the narrative enigma as the audience questions what happened for zombies to appear in the world. The non diegetic soundtrack of Metallica’s For Whom The Bells Toll exaggerates the already dramatic sequence. This choice in music relates back to the comedy of the film as it adds a sense of humour for the audience as they watch people run away from zombies. The sequence begins with a low angle of a man falling to his death in an attempt to avoid a zombie this is done in slow motion, as is the whole sequence, which adds a sense of humour o the sequence and reflects well on the genre of this film. This use of editing allows the audience to laugh at their misfortunes rather than pity them; also the use of slow motion makes the sequence seem light hearted, as if it's mocking horror zombie films. In addition, the slow motion makes the sequence seem over dramatic, which reflects on the use of type and music.  It’s over exaggeration is what makes the sequence humorous for audiences. 

 The sequence fades into various scenarios with different people, which could show that this zombie outbreak has affected those in various parts of the world. The use of gore for humour purposes is affective as a mid shot of a zombie spitting out blood could add to the shock value of the film and show the audience the level of blood is to be expected. Even though a focus pull makes the zombie the main attention, the audience can see the blue skies in the background. This contrasts with the conventions of a zombie film; the audience would expect for dark skies to reflect on the hopelessness the protagonists feel in the midst of a zombie outbreak. This further shows Zombieland is a comedy film as it can be suggested that the film goes against these conventions. It can also be suggested this film will see a happy ending and will be less sinister and frightening than typical zombie horror films. 

The next shot shows a feminine woman wearing bright clothing  being chased by a zombified woman in dull clothing. The slow motion draws the audience's attention on the milkshake that's been tossed in the air as the woman attempts to escape the grasp of the zombie. It can be suggested that the woman represents the struggle feminine women face in attempts of survival. This can further suggest to the audience that either a feminine character in the film will struggle with the zombie outbreak or an unconventional female character will ultimately win against the zombies. 

 A sense of irony is used for humour as a man holding a 'the end is near' sign is attacked by zombies. This can further suggest this film is humorous and lighthearted in contrast to serious zombie films. The typography chosen is bold and red making it stand out amongst the events on screen, yet the use of editing makes the words seem as if they're in the sequence. The words appear to move and react once something or someone touches it. This interaction could suggest that nothing is safe from the destruction the zombies cause. The use of red connotes danger and blood, which is seen frequently throughout this sequence. 

 An extreme long shot is used as the shot fades into a man being chased by two zombies. Through this shot, the audience could be left feeling helpless as it looks as if the man is running towards us for help. In addition, the long shot could show the audience how far he must run away from both the zombies and the burning car behind him- it can be seen that it would be highly unlikely for his survival. This could indicate to us that there will be many deaths in this film. The man is seen to throw his briefcase in the case and money begins to fall out which can suggest money doesn't matter now as civilisation is lost due to the zombie outbreak. The burning car could connote further darkness and evil relating to the zombies as the man tries desperately to flee potential death.

The props used in this sequence isn't conventional in a horror film with it's use of milkshakes and female nudity- this could be conventional in a comedy film in order to provoke humour for the audience. However, the iconography used such as zombies, violence, gore and blood are conventions of the horror genre, suggesting to the audience that the film is a sub genre of horror- a horror comedy.

Another scene is faded into showing the audience a long shot of a zombie bride attacking her groom. This could be humorous for audiences as the whether zombified or not, brides are usually seen as monstrous. However, audiences can also suggest that the zombie outbreak has ruined happy occasions for people. This further suggest civilisation has been lost as zombies have taken over. Both the colours and choice of typography is the same for the cast name and the title name yet the composition of the film title is placed in the centre whereas the cast names were placed on the sides of the screen. This positioning puts the title as a main focus as a man shatters both the title and glass. The mid shot creates an allusion as if the audience is going to get hit by the glass, allowing for us to immerse ourselves in the action.

A long shot shows a clean firefighter running away from a flaming zombie as another firefighter does his job. This adds to the narrative enigma as we question what will kill the zombies.In addition, this shot could show the zombies are powerful as there is no way of killing them; this could establish the narrative of the film, the protagonists work to find a way to get rid of them. Furthermore, the shot could also represent betrayal in the film as the firefighter chooses to run instead of help his fellow co worker.

A mid shot shows a man dressed in a tuxedo shooting a rifle. From the position of the camera, it looks as if he is shooting at us as if we are zombies. This again allows the audience to immerse themselves in the action of the sequence. This also adds anticipation  as we can see the zombie running towards the oblivious man, we want to tell them there's something behind him but yet we are powerless.

The final shot of the sequence places the audience inside a car as a man spits out blood and shatters the glass. It can be suggested that the man is seeking the audience for safety yet he soon succumbs to his death which could connote the shattering of glass is the shattering of civilization. The sequence ends with a final humorous sound of a bell that resembles the sound of knock out as if the man was in a boxing match with a z

Case Study #2: Se7en

1995's Se7en directed by David Fincher 

David Fincher’s 1995 film, Se7en, is a psychological thriller film, which is constructed with the use of micro features. The opening titles-designed by Kyle Cooper-, show an unidentified man adding clippings and notes in a book. This adds to the narrative enigma as the audience question who this man is and what relevance does he pay to the film. The non-diegetic soundtrack by Trent Reznor compliments what is on the screen; it’s use of the scratching and creaking noises emphasises the creepiness of what John Doe is doing.

The sequence begins with a high angle of a sketch presumably done by John Doe there is a contrast in light and dark in this shot, which could represent the binary opposition of good vs. evil in the film. In addition, the use of shadows creates a sense of secrecy amongst the audience and the man as we do not know what or who the shadow is. As the sequence continues, names of those involved appear on the screen the typography used is jagged and imperfect creating the idea that the names are handwritten. It can be suggested the type used is to act as if John Doe is writing the names of their victims. The typography jolts before disappearing and reappearing in a thicker font; the white contrasts against the black background making the name stand out for the audience. In addition, the composition of the typography is diagonal which emphasises the idea of imperfection.

From an extreme close up, the audience can see John Doe’s fingers to which he is removing his fingerprints. This could connote he is hiding something; this also hints this man is an antagonist; in addition the appearance of his finger also shows the audience he is unkempt. We see the name of the film appear in a small size before quickly increasing in size and decreasing. This could add to the disturbing atmosphere of the sequence due to the fast cuts the audience could find this un-expecting and surprising. The typography used is different to the type used for the cast. In contrast, the type Cooper chose appears to be more sinister and imperfect. In addition, the text is more distorted, which could add to the thrill of the sequence as this tells the audience something, is not right.

Throughout the sequence, Cooper uses extreme close ups and close ups thus keeping the identify of the man a secret and the only part the audience sees of John Doe is his hands. As the sequence continues, the cuts become more fast and distorted. This could be a reflection on John Doe’s disoriented state of mind and also a reflection of the sinister narrative of the film. As he is writing, the shot becomes distorted and the audience see two hands writing in the book; this could further reflect on John Doe’s mental state. This shot is positioned to see him writing; which could suggest the audience is like a fly on the wall, we are getting an insight in what this man does. The soundtrack adds to the disturbing sequence as the audience are left anticipating for what is to come.  

We see fast flashes of text and imagery which adds to the mystery and thrill of the film as the audience questions what the text means and what relevance does the images have to the film. The majority of the text appears to be upside down and distorted as if Cooper is trying to tell the audience that nothing appears as it seems. As the sequence continues, the music begins to speed up
and so does the cuts- the use of fast cuts adds to the anticipation of the sequence as we prepare ourselves for something bad to happen. We see John Doe covering words with a black marker through the use of a POV shot, which could allow the audience to immerse themselves in the sequence. In addition, this shot could hint at what is to happen in the film as he blacks out words such as ‘pregnant’. Cooper uses flashes of red in various shots connoting death is to come. At this point, the audience could be left feeling uncomfortable and frightened as the imagery continues to become more disturbing.

Towards the end of the sequence, the shots are very fast and the majority are POV shots, which could add to the feeling of discomfort as the audience feels as if theyre John Doe, and they’re taking part in heinous crimes. The sinister soundtrack remained instrumental with the only words the audience hears is ‘you got me closer to God’ at the end as John Doe cuts the word ‘God’ out. This could leave the audience feeling disturbed, as the way it was said sounded desperate and forced. In addition, this relates to the narrative of the film as the seven deadly sins is in reference to religion.

Case Study #1: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2011's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo directed by David Fincher

David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 2011, is a mystery thriller film; which is constructed with the use of micro features. The opening title shows various important parts of the film yet also closely relating to the novels; it’s constant cuts to different objects in the sequence gives the audience an incline of what is to happen in the film and also we are given hints on what happens in the next installment of the three novels. The sequence begins with fast cuts from close ups of objects to black black, these fast cuts are in sync with the beat of the music, which could reflect on the main protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, due to the constant abrupt cuts and disturbing imagery; itcan be suggested the sequence represents Salander's unstable state of mind. The pace of the cuts decrease as black liquid begins to travel it’s way through various objects- later in the sequence the audience can find that the liquid appears frequently throughout- which creates a mystery, as the audience is left oblivious as to what is happening. Non diegetic fast paced music plays in the background which fits both the genre of the film and the sequence overall as it can be suggested that the cover of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song adds to the thrill of the sequence. The music was produced by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor who Fincher has previously worked with for the title sequence of Se7en. In addition, the music can also reflect Salander’s rough and damaged personality. 

The camera cuts to and from the black liquid to a high angle of a person, also submerged in black liquid, gagged and jolting in it's spot; this adds to the thrill of the sequence as the audience are left questioning the identity of the person and why are they are. The high angle creates the effect as if we are looking down on that person, as if we are watching them suffer. In addition, this could also make the audience feel sympathetic towards the person as we want to help them but we can't. The narrative enigma questions who these people are and what is happening as the audience cannot fully identify the objects and people due to the fast cuts throughout the sequence. As the liquid continues to travel, the POV shot could make the audience feel as if the liquid is targeting them- we are immersed in the sequence and we can't escape it. 

White typography is used for the cast names in the sequence, which makes the names stand out against the black background. However, the type is small and does not disrupt the sequence; this enables the audience to focus more on the events on screen rather than the names. The title of the film contrasts with the type used on the cast- the title is bigger and a different typography is used. This creates an emphasis on the title, which blends in with the dark background almost as if the title is disguised within the frame. The type used is less simple than the cast typography- it reflects the narrative of the film well as the font is more edgy. The audience only sees the title of the film for a brief moment before it succumbs to the black liquid; this could reflect on the film, as much like Salander cannot escape the events of her troubled childhood, the title cannot escape the liquid.

As the sequence continues, the camera continuously cuts to various objects that relate to the film and the novel such as a shot of an image of a dragon before it is covered by the liquid. The use of dragons and also phoenixes in this title sequence reflects back to the protagonist’s tattoos. Further references to the film are made such as the high angle shots of the liquid travelling through the keyboard and the entanglement of USB cords- this could refer to the protagonist’s skills in hacking. There is also reference to events in the next books such as the use of the burning man and the hornet.

The audience only sees two of the characters in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. An over the shoulder shot shows the audience the two protagonists yet the main focus is Lisbeth. From this shot the audience can see her solemn expression which gives us an insight in her personality. In addition, the shot shows the audience his hand is gently touching her face which could show the two protagonists share a strong friendship. They are also covered in the black liquid which follows the black on black theme this sequence follows. Although they are the same colour as the background, the protagonists stand out amongst it. Similar to the previous shots, the camera quickly cuts giving the audience no time submerge themselves in what is happening. The fast pace of the sequence could reflect on the film and the action.  Both characters are shown to struggle with something in the sequence, Salander’s face covered with hands could refer her trouble with sexual abuse in the past and Blomkvist is shown to be strangled by an item; this could refer to events in the film and novels. As the sequence soon comes to it’s end, a flower dying and blossoming is shown which could symbolize a life cycle and the idea of death and reborn. Ultimately, the sequence ends with various shots showing Salander climbing out of her own grave- another reference to the novels-  and the camera cuts to a POV shot as Salander rises and the sequence ends with the audience in her mouth which creates a sense of immersion for the audience and builds up excitement for the film to continue.

 The use of little to no lighting = follows the generic conventions of mystery films as the audience is kept in the dark as to what is happening in the sequence and in the film. This sequence also follows the thriller genre as the use of soundtrack keeps the audience anticipated and tense for the film to begin.

The sequence overall creates a disturbing atmosphere for the audience and it sets us for the events to come. 

Conventions Of An Opening Title Sequence

Conventions Of An Opening Title Sequence

A title sequence is used to introduce the audience to the narrative of a film or tv show. With the use of the four micro features of sound, editing, cinematography and mise en scene a title sequence should create an atmosphere for the audience and give them a rough idea of what is to come.  

In addition, a title sequence normally introduces the audience to the characters, settings and genre. The credits should include the director, producer, writer and other production crew members and also the main cast of actors and actresses. 

Conventions Of A Crime Mystery

Conventions Of A Crime Mystery: 

• Unsolved crime at hand
• Antagonist to catch 
• Crime scene 
• Tense music
• Clues
• A detective 
• Mysterious events that creates an enigma 

Introduction: Opening Sequence Coursework

For the opening sequence coursework, I have chosen to work with Hannah to create a title sequence. Using STINCS:

• Setting
• Themes
• Iconography
• Narrative
• Characters
• Style