Credit Sequences

Hello everyone! Today I'll be viewing, analyzing, and discussing some psychological thriller film opening credit sequences.

Silence of the Lambs (1991) 

The credit sequence of this film is displayed over a series of shots of Clarisse on an FBI training run, and follow her into the facility. The credits are displayed in a black, obnoxious bold font, occupying the majority of the screen, and crediting the starring actors, director, cinematographer, and more. The credits are accompanied with a cinematic, fraught score building anticipation for the upcoming events of the film. This credit sequence has taught me that credit sequences generally don't require anything flashy to be effective, and if done properly can feel anticipating rather than tedious and boring.

Seven (1995)

I have no idea how the credit sequence to Seven manages to do it, but it manages to unsettle the audience with just the names of people on a screen. Actually that's a lie I do know how. These names are layered upon unsettling visuals like a hand holding a razorblade, and mysterious sketches in a notebook. Additionally, these visuals are paired with unsettling nondiegetic sound, like high frequencies and frightful shrieks further unsettling the audience. The white, hand-drawn looking font is also very unique and easy to associate with the film. The credit sequence also managed to create a really cool effect with the credited names, as the words appear to be shaking on screen, further creating a feeling of chaos and disarray. The quick cuts are also edited in sync with the background music, which creates a cool effect and makes the sequence even more disturbing. This credit sequence is very unique and shows just how much creative freedom is involved with the crafting of credit sequences. I would love to incorporate a unique effect like the shaky font into my opening, as it contributes to the chaotic mood of the piece greatly.

Black Phone (2021)

This credit sequence is profoundly disturbing. in large thanks to the soundtrack. The low thumps mimicking a rushing heartbeat strike fear into the audience, and the screeching high pitches act as punctuation on this already established fear. The fast paced editing throughout this credit sequence further creates a disturbing/unsettling mood. The shaky, handheld shots and vintage aesthetic make the opening feel almost uncanny and deeply off-putting. The credits are shown in a plain, white font in random locations over the screen. This credit sequence serves as proof that editing can carry a credit sequence from tedious to unsettling and disturbing. Also, one thing that stood out in both this sequence and Seven  is that the credit sequences stand separate from the rest of the film, rather than being hidden on screen. This shows that credit sequences can be very effective tools for setting the tone for a piece, and not treated as an afterthought.

Overall, there are many ways to spice up a credit sequence, making it more engaging and mood-driven. I will strive to incorporate unique elements, such as a shaky font or unique/potentially unsettling visuals, into my credit sequence as opposed to treating it as a waste of space.