Title sequence analysis

This image from True Detective’s title sequence tells us a lot about what is to come in the series. For example, overlay has been used where there is a face in the background, almost like a god-like figure watching over the people in the town, possibly judging them; the man is one of the detectives, so the image suits his job. Also we can see a power station in the background which connotes pollution and makes me think that this town isn't a nice place, this could foreshadow later events. I also instantly dislike the setting as it is very bleak and boring. The setting also looks isolated which makes me think it is a thriller genre as the victim is often alone.

The lighting is low key, which adds to the bleak, depressing feel of the title sequence. The camera angle is a long shot, so the audience can see a vast amount of land. This space and isolation compliments the feel of loneliness. Also in the title sequence the music is slow paced which establishes that this programme will be a thriller or a drama as opposed to an action film. It is also western music, so it gives an idea of where the series is set, which is in South America, and what significance it has to the programme.

There are overlapping images which could suggest deception as it looks as if the woman is hiding behind something. Also, there is high key lighting which indicates innocence. Possibly the woman is a victim. The power station suggests that the area is bleak and rough which fits with the nature of the programme.

There are overlapping images which could suggest deception as it looks as if the woman is hiding behind something. Also, there is high key lighting which indicates innocence. Possibly the woman is a victim. The power station suggests that the area is bleak and rough which fits with the nature of the programme.

 In the ‘Sherlock’ title sequence you can see from the image that there is a modern magnifying glass, this shows that it is a modernised version of Sherlock Holmes. Also Sherlock’s face is in the magnifying glass twice, this shows that it is a detective programme as a magnifying glass is a common prop used in detective programmes. Also his face could be there twice to give the sense that he isn’t alone. Or the face that is further away could suggest that Sherlock has a darker side to him as it is more distant and blurry. Also the effect of overlay shows people in the background, which looks like businessmen and women going to work in London. This establishes the setting and also informs us that it is set in present day. Though, the background is quite blurry which could suggest that things could not be as they seem.

The lighting is low key which gives the theme of mystery as you can’t see the picture clearly. Also the close up is effective as we can see the character and his emotions. He looks solemn which could foreshadow what is to come in the programme. Also in the title sequence, the music is quite fast paced which builds up excitement for the action and drama which is to come.

With Held is a student thriller opening. This point of view shot is effective because it makes the audience feel as if they are watching someone. It also gives a creepy feel to the opening which fits in with the thriller genre nicely. The man is in a car in a remote setting which adds to creepy feel as this woman is alone and being watched, so it gives the opening some tension which I think could have been more effective if music was added. There is a contrast in the lighting as there is high key lighting on the woman and low key lighting on the man. This enhances the audience’s suspicions that the man is not to be trusted. The window in the car is dirty which gives the audience the impression that this man has unclean intentions.