Dexter Title Sequence

We watched the title sequence of Dexter which is an American television drama series that centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic bloodstain pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who moonlights as a serial killer.  Our task in the lesson was to create a storyboard of our own title sequence.  However in order to understand how much depth we have to show, i.e every shot that will take place, what will be seen in each shot etc, our teacher showed us this title sequence from Dexter.  Whilst watching this title sequence we had to count how many shots we see.  The majority of the class saw around 50-60 shots used in just a 1 minute and 42 second title sequence.  Counting these shots enabled us to understand how much depth we need to go into when making our own storyboards.   

We also discussed how this title sequence was created in an effective way.  Dexter Morgan is revealed only at the very end of the opening sequence, after a series of fragmented and disorienting close-ups.  The opening credits of Dexter suggest that very careful and clearly deadly precision is present in every aspect of the protagonist’s life. the blood-red colour used in the title 'Dexter' may or may not be actual blood; the title sequence inter cuts actual blood (the shaving shots) and flesh (the bacon for breakfast) with things which look like dripping blood and mangled flesh, but turn out to be ketchup and an orange.  The opening of Dexter presents the sinister side of everyday actions: shaving is disruptive and dangerous, preparing breakfast is bloodthirsty, a healthy appetite is somehow highly suspected. Yet critically, Dexter’s morning routine is not really  different from most people’s, he may be a serial killer, but he still puts his shoes on one at a time. The credit sequence foreshadows Dexter’s murderous side and yet provides a point of identification for the viewers through a focus on seemingly-everyday behaviour.