Analysis of opening titles; Children of Men (1/3) - Sam McLeish

Children of Men - 2006 - Alfonso Cuarón 

1. The name of the film (the film title):  How does it suggest the Thriller genre, connect with the audience, create interest or anticipation for the target audience?

This is significant because it sounds so simple and non-threatening, creating a clear juxtaposition of what entails in the film. This is then effective because the unexpectedness, or enigma, of it makes it more effective for a thriller film. Also, it gives a clear insight into the plot without giving any details away.

2. Consider how the film title design might further communicate meaning to the audience about genre, meaning or story. (Colour, font, animation, size, background etc).   

The fact that the titles used at the beginning of the sequence are black and white, it gives the impression that there is a serious theme. This is further supported by the fact that the font is professional rather than something more lively. 

There is no animation between the information given on screen, in it's place is simple cuts, as shown in these two screen shots. This is used so that tension is created because it allows the audience to focus on the soundtrack which is giving some exposition.

3. What institutional info is included?  

The sequence starts with the famous Universal logo as shown in this screen cap. It goes through it's usual animation of the world tilting on it's axis, with the reflection of the sun, and then the Universal wording moves from the other side and sits in it's final position. It then fades to black into the next institution sequence. As Universal has become a 'household name', it gives the impression to the audience that whatever they are about to see will be something worth watching as it comes from their studios.

The new sequence starts with a less familiar institution of 'Strike'. Their animation starts with a ECU of a red shape, which then zooms out to a MS of the shapes coming together when then dissolves into the Strike logo. If it means that this institution is less known, it doesn't matter because they're working with Universal, and if they're good enough for them, they should still create a good film.

Finally, the last institution is Hit and Run Productions. As the sequence doesn't have any animated graphics for them, it shows that they are the less important institution between the three. 

4. Is additional story info included - eg date or location of story? If so, why?

This shot, towards the end of the sequence explains that the film is set in the future in London. This is significant to the story-line because it gives the impression of a dystopian future, as supported by the fact that there is a sepia-style filter giving the impression of smog. Plus, as London is a first-world country and a recognisable place to the majority of the audience, it makes the thriller more personal and there more hard-hitting in the action to come. 

5. Are actors included? How are they introduced in the title sequence?

Actors are included in sequence but the majority are extras. The main character is presented as the man highlighted above. He is singled out because he is the only doing something different rather than just looking at the news. For example, he pushes through the crowd of extras and the audience instantly picks up on that, meaning that they will follow him. This abrupt entrance then suggests to the audience that this character is an anti-hero, because according to his facial expressions, he doesn't care about an event that is clearly traumatic to the other characters that has them transfixed onto the screen. This is then used later because it shows that he doesn't want to be involved in the problem that later ensues. 

6. For the sequence as a whole - consider the relationship between title and credit information and the background for that frame (onto black, a still image or moving image of the actual film). Suggest reasons for it being effective as part of the Thriller opening.

On the whole, the sequence uses titles that are symbiotic with the image. For example, the London, 2027 shot above works because it allows the audience to see how the typical London street would have changed in this time. This is then effective in terms of a thriller sequence because to the audience,  Also, the black and white institution information given at the beginning of the sequence is useful because it gives the relevant information to the audience in a quick fashion, with about three seconds between cuts, so that they don't get bored watching. This allows them to focus on the dialogue.

7. Is the sound diegetic or non diegetic - how is the title and credit sequence edited to the music? Are sound bridges used?

There is no backing-track to this opening, but it is then replaced with diegetic dialogue of two news readers giving the storyline exposition. This is very effective because it is very quiet in comparison to later in the sequence. For example, once the bomb has gone off in the cafe, it is parallel sound between it and the imagery on screen because it is clearly chaotic and the audience can hear the aftermath (i.e. screaming and the car alarms). This is made further effective as it appears that the character on screen is carrying their arm, making it even more shocking and better as an opening sequence. 

Also, a sound bridge is used between this shot above and the title shot of 'Children of Men'. In this case, the sound of the ringing is carried over.

8 Study carefully the relationship between moving image segments of the film (the start of the plot) and the introduction of titles. What is the order in which they are introduced? Why do you think this is?

Personally, I feel that as the sequence waited for the last shot of the opening sequence to be the title shot, it was very effective because it makes the chaos more prominent after shocking the audience with what happened. Also, in allowing for the screen to be black whilst the dialogue is read at the beginning, it allows for the audience to really absorb what is happening because there is nothing to distract them with. If instead there was some establishing shots whilst this was being read out, the audience would get distracted and then miss out on information that is vital to the storyline. Overall, this sequence is a prime example of a good opening to a thriller and has many traits that would be good in ours.