The structure of thriller openings

There are three types of basic Thriller openings:

A narrative opening with the titles running throughout.
A discrete title sequence.
Titles on a plain background, followed by the narrative opening.

I have studied four different Thriller openings, each thriller opening connects with one of the three types of thriller openings that i have stated above.

Arlington Road - A discrete title sequence
The shining - A narrative opening with the titles running throughout
Deja Vu - A narrative opening with the titles running throughout
What Lies Beneath - Titles on a plain background, followed by the narrative opening

In our lesson we had to analyse different opening title sequences, whilst analysing we had to consider key points such as the, mise en scene, camera work, editing, narrative, lighting and sound.

The film I chose to analyse is déjà vu, in my opinion the most attractive and interesting title sequence was Déjà vu. Firstly we are introduced to the setting, we see medium shots of the environment alongside shots mid shots of people cheering and laughing, basically we are introduced to a happy setting, where it seems like an big even or in other words something important is about to take place. However the calm sad music does arouse some questions, for example it makes you think, despite the fact that the people are so happy there’s this sad calm music.

We hear a variety of diegetic sounds such as, the busy crowd, horns, laughter, vehicle engines. The lighting is natural lighting, indicates that it’s a happy day with the bright lighting. Once the film’s title is introduced the music starts to pick up and it becomes more impulsive, which helps create suspicion. Once we see the captain of the boat we also see a reflection on the window of a guy waiting on the bride, this shot also points out potential danger. The shot that I like and find effective is the one where the little girl drops her dolly into the sea, the dolly drops in slow motion it almost signifies little girl herself and how she also could be in danger.

The title sequence appears in white writing, I really like the technique they have used to introduce the words. It’s almost as if the words are being photographed and captured in a frame. Overall I personally think the opening title sequence to déjà vu is interesting and eye catching. After a title sequence like déjà vu I’m sure I will be into the film, wanting to watch more.