Opening Title Sequence Analysis- Thriller Genre

1. Opening Title Sequence Analysis- Thriller Genre Opening Title Sequence Selection: Layer Cake (2004) Directed by Matthew Vaughn. Starring: Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller, Michael Gambon. Limitless (2011) Directed by Neil Burger. Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Nero, Abbie Cornish. The Dark Knight (2008) Directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Heath Ledger, Michael Cane, Christian Bale.

2. LAYER CAKE Narrative structure In the title sequence for Layer Cake, being a crime/drama thriller; you are exposed to the basic narrative structure being that the central character (Daniel Craig) is a successful business man who fell into the career of dealing cocaine as he keeps such a low profile, meaning he’s good at his job. However the more scummy dealers get in his way and essentially put him in trouble, meaning they’re the anti-hero’s. The film is structured so that Daniel Craig has to complete tasks without getting caught up in the scummy dealers way, his mission is to be completed with as low a profile as possible. He has to complete these for his boss, who you’re introduced to. Although, of course there are complications that the scummy dealers (anti-hero’s) put in place along the way. Character Types ‘Hero’- Daniel Craig, has to complete mission without complications (just wants to do the job) Boss- Michael Gambon, seems nice about the job but means business. Side kick- George Harris, accompanies the main hero being a partner. Love interest- Sienna Miller, hero is interested in although he definitely shouldn’t be this putting complications in place. Main anti hero- Jamie Foreman, a bit of a geezer who’s in rivalry with Daniel Craig’s team he makes it hard for them to go through him to get the job done.

3. LAYER CAKE Cinematography of Title Sequence Starts off with an establishing shot of the street that the central character lives on. Moves into a tracking shot of central character (Daniel Craig) walking into his home, when he shuts the door the title of the film ‘Layer Cake’ is across the door as if it’s the name of the apartment. Then an aerial shot is used while driving up to the bosses quarters, this is to emphasise importance/wealth. Another tracking shot is used for Daniel Craig and his partner as they’re walking into the bosses building. When they’re inside there’s a long shot of the chandelier- this displaying wealth/lifestyle. Copacabana shot as they’re walking into the bosses quarters. Once they’re sat down at the table a mid shot is used to get a feel for who they all are.

4. LAYER CAKE Sound At the beginning of the title sequence the music fades in gradually for a cool, calm effect which reflects the nature of the film. It then breaks into quite an inspirational song which makes you feel like the characters do especially when tracking shots are used. It has a retro gangster feel to it which fits appropriately with the film. Titles The first title is the on the central characters door, it’s the title of the film this is very effective and stands out in capitals with a strong font which is manly this reflecting the mainly male content of the film. The rest of the titles are not particularly bold or noticeable positioned at the bottom of the screen, in a simple font possibly reflecting the business straight forward nature of the film.

5. Limitless Narrative Theme Limitless being a mystery/sci-fi thriller has a unique sub-genre. It begins with the broken life of the central character Bradley Cooper, he’s a broken writer who needs help. He then gets given this mysterious pill which allows him to access 100% of his brain abilities leading to him becoming very financially successful. Although the pill has dangers and consequences; an illness and people who want to steal the pills off him. These are the classic ingredients for a thriller; something preventing the main character on their mission.

6. Limitless Mise- En-Scene The mise-en-scene in the title sequence for Limitless is typical of the thriller genre. It begins with the central character’s dark, dingy flat this provokes the emotional response of you pitying him. It gives away his character immediately which sets the atmosphere for the film. And as he steps outside into the busy city you see how behind and slow he is in comparison to everyone else. This is vital for the narrative of the film. The décor of Bradley Coopers flat also shows you how messy, unorganised, and dirty he is. Suggesting he’s given up on hope for life. His costume of dark colours, and scruffy hair shows the audience his social status; he’s at the bottom in society. This also emphasises the vast change between him before the mysterious pill and after. The figure expression and body language of Bradley Cooper before he takes the pill is quite suppressed; constantly having a furrowed brow to show how he’s lost his way in life. Crossed arms to show he’s cowering away from reality and hunched shoulders to show he feels vulnerable possibly due to his life falling apart therefore his confidence is low. The lighting in his flat is low key lighting to create a negative atmosphere in his home which is also the place where he’s desperately trying to finish writing a book. The discoloured walls also have negative connotations that fit with his hopeless personality.

7. Limitless Cinematography Opens with a wide angle shot/establishing shot to show central characters city and where he lives. Then from a high angle it zooms to a mid close up of the central characters face to make him seem vulnerable and an easy target. The editing keeps to 180 degree rule.It’s also fairly quick between editing to highlight the slow pace of his life also to foreshadow the fast pace he’s going to be going after the pill. Moves to another high angle shot of Bradley Cooper to reinforce vulnerability. Point of view shots are then made use of to really put you in the subjects perspective, so you see life through his eyes. As he walks out of his flat a copacabana shot is used to show that it’s effort for him to go into reality. When he’s outside a mid shot is used to highlight the busyness that surrounds him to highlight the contrast.

8. Limitless Sound The sound for the opening title sequence is fast paced, with an adventurous tone that reflects the busyness of the city, it has a quick beat with a little guitar showing how hectic the city can be. This is used to highlight the contrast between him and the city. Titles The titles are in white, in a manly, hard font to possibly reflect the male dominance in the film. Also the hard edges of the letters reflecting the strong theme of status and power throughout the film. They slide off and on the screen quickly to show the quick nature of the rest of the film.

9. THE DARK KNIGHT Narrative theme The Dark Knight being an action/drama/crime thriller falls under a few sub genres; being a remake of batman it turns everything up a notch. You have the joker who just wants to watch Gotham burn and corrupt batman and the police while he does it, making him the antagonist. Batman is on the side of the police fighting for good making him the protagonist. Then there’s Harvey Dent who’s involved with the court and law side of Batman and the Joker who also confuses things. This film is unique in the sense that Batman (the protagonist) is the one trying to get in the way of the Joker’s (the antagonist) mission and prevent him where he can. Although The Joker is a powerful character and threatens death if the Batman doesn’t take off his mask.

10. THE DARK KNIGHT Mise-En-Scene In the opening scene for The Dark Knight the iconography is obvious, immediately it focuses in on a clown face mask setting you up for the clown theme throughout (The Joker’s mask – make up). The location’s a city which doesn’t give much away, however it isn’t a familiar location so fills audience with a sense of uncertainty. The prop is the clown mask which indicates the thriller genre, also indicating there’s a psychotic character featured in the film. The costume is an old worn suit.