SE7EN TITLE SEQUENCE

A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programmes present the title of the film and the casting crew, such as, the director, producers, distributors, production companies and actors. The title sequence of a film usually establishes genre, for example the title sequence of Se7en gives the audience the impression that this film is some sort of thriller and perhaps a horror. Sometimes the title sequence of a film will be completely different to the actual film itself and often uses a different type of media. This is usually because the title sequence has a different director to the film. For example the title sequence of Catch Me If You Can is set in a cartoon format; the director for the title sequence of this film is Kuntzel + Deygas, whereas, the director of the film itself was Steven Spielberg. This might be the reason most title sequences are so stylised. The title sequence of Se7en was directed by Kyle Cooper, who directed title sequences such as, Sherlock Holmes, a Nightmare on Elm Street and the Mummy. The opening sequence to this film has a fairly dark genre. This is portrayed by the set up of the title sequence. Throughout this title sequence we see the introduced villain assembling a gruesome document of horrors. The character is not shown which creates a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere for the audience. Although it is not confirmed that this is the antagonist of the film the audience assume that it is because of the Trent Reznor soundtrack that has been used. This adds effect because it immediately puts the audience on edge. The score is slow paced and has a scary genre to it, which puts an image into the audiences head as to what the film will be about. The title sequence also jump cuts to various images that link to brutal torture and perhaps murder. You also see the character use various everyday items such as developing trays, scissors, paper and tape, the audience then think these everyday items are being used as ominous devices of torture and mutilation. The font used in this title sequence is perhaps the most important contributing factor of this title sequence, the lettering used in this title sequence has been created to add effect. The typography used flickers in and out in the shot; this creates tension and suspense as it links to flickering lights which are usually used in thriller or horror movies when a film has reached a climax. Overall, the title sequence of Se7en is effective because of the mysterious, and perhaps scary, font, music and content; as these create tension and establish the genre of the film. This title sequence also gets the audience prepared as to what the film will entail.