Analysis of Title Sequences

We looked at two examples of title sequences.  The first was from the film 'Donnie Brasco' and the second tittle sequence was from the film 'Alien' 

Donnie Brasco (Director: Mike Newell, 1997)

Donnie Brasco is a very effective title sequence as it uses many elements that engage the audience and inform them about the plot.  As the audience we establish the location of where the film is set. Through the models of the cars the men are driving and the shots of lights which look like a Broadway setting, tell us the film is set in the 1920's in New York.  In the first few scenes, there is a cross cut between Donnie Brasco and another male character.  This tells the audience that there may be some sort of relationship between both characters.  We get the sense that there may be a strife between the two characters.  We get this impression as both characters are shown seperately.  There is a close up shown of the character with light to dark lighting going across his forehead, showing he is looking out at others from the inside.  This makes the audience arise an enigma - Why is this character hiding from everyone? Does he have something to hide?  We also see a close-up shot of a photograph of a gang of men.  In the picture we specifically see Donnie Brasco and others circling a person.  The focal point in the photograph is the man in the centre of the gang, which could suggest that Donnie Brasco may try to hurt this man.  We establish the genre of crime through the use of mis-en-scene, as we see a gang of men dressed as gangsters, suggesting they are criminals.


Alien (Director: Ridely Scott 1979)

Above is a video of the title sequence which we watched, we analysed the first 40 seconds. 

This title sequence of the film Alien which also uses some elements to establish a successful title sequence.  The way the title appears on the screen is very unusual and unique.  It begins as white block lines, then gradially starts to form into letters reading ALIEN.  This suggests that the film may have a contrast of nature and natural life.  The lighting throughout the title sequence is dark which creates a tense atmosphere and may suggest the film is set in space.  The music used in the title sequence is very high pitched which creates tension for the audience and also establishes the sci-fi genre of the film.