Researching Film Openings from the Best!

These past few days I've been stuck at home because I caught strep (TMI?). It's been awful.. so, I decided to do some deep research on film openings in the genre I'm interested in doing.  

Horror and thriller films have very important beginning scenes that establish the mood for the entire cinematic experience. Filmmakers usually utilize a range of techniques that immediately draw the audience's attention. It becomes clear that there are many more complex elements involved in horror and thriller film openings than just building suspense and anxiety.

The exact arrangement of both music and graphics is one element that is important. Classic horror films, such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," use  terrifying opening sequences that foreshadows the approaching terror. These are presented by using a combination of Bernard Herrmann's music and disturbing shots by Saul Bass. A psychological uneasiness that dominates the entire film is captured by the piercing strings and sudden cuts. Modern thrillers like "Se7en," directed by David Fincher, have opening credits that blend into the gloomy setting of the movie, adding to the overall sense of dread.

<--------- This is a picture of the cover of Hitchcock's movie "Psycho"

This is a picture of the cover of 

Fincher's movie "Se7en" ------------------------------->

In horror and thriller films, the credits are more than just a list of names. They are essential to the narrative process. For example, in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining'', images of the isolated Overlook Hotel are complemented by the creepy soundtrack throughout the opening titles. A sudden sense of solitude is created by the unsettling music and imagery. This lays a foundation for the horrors that lie ahead. The credits integrated  into the story smoothly, creating a memorable experience right away.

<-----This is a picture of the cover of Kubrick's movie "The Shining"

Furthermore, a big part of the overall impact is determined by the timing and pace of the opening scenes in horror and thriller films. In Jordan Peele's "Get Out," a long zoom into a suburban neighborhood sets for an incredibly calm opening scene. As the camera lingers on tiny details, a previously ordinary scene grows more and more disturbing. This slow, methodical pacing heightens the suspense, which increases the impact of the final turn towards horror.

This is a picture of the cover of Peele's movie "Get Out" ->

Overall, a balance between credit integration, sound design, and visual storytelling is shown by the study of horror and thriller movie openings. Filmmakers employ these tactics to capture viewers' interest while simultaneously immersing them in a suspenseful and terrifying atmosphere. As we explore deeper into the development of these genres, it becomes increasingly evident that the opening sequences function as a platform on which filmmakers may display their talents and establish the fascinating storylines that occur. 

I will definitely make sure to include these techniques in my intro when I present the main character and who she truly is. I will use music and visuals to complement each other, as I believe they're one of the most important factors in a horror and thriller film opening. I'm so excited to make a film opening about a psychotic crazy woman and include all these cool and insane techniques.