Analyzing Credit Sequences

 Today, I will be analyzing three opening credits sequences for the same genre I've been working on, which is a coming of age. I hope that this can help inspire me towards developing my opening.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The first film i researched was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I chose this film as well for the film openings research, and I enjoyed the cinematography and theme so I figured I would do it again. 

The sequence begins with a black screen and the film company name. Soon after, there are sounds of a typewriter as the cast names begin to pop up on screen. The typewriter has the finishing sound, and the music begins. The song "Could It Be Another Change" by The Samples begins to play. As the song picks up, the title flashes on the screen. The typology is simple and elegant, playing well with the dark screen and soft music. The cast resumes taking turns on the screen, while there is a cut to a car driving on a dark night. The soft white font contrasts the dark tone.The music continues on as other crew members and producers are mentioned. The music then fades, to begin the film.

2. The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Breakfast Club is one of the most iconic films in the coming of age genre. It opens with the creation company, (Universal) as drums begin to play in the background. More companies and the creator himself John Hughes are credited, followed by the title flash. The typology is a bold yellow, contrasting with the dark black backdrop. The song is Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds, and it picks up after the title is shown. The cast is rattled off one by one as the music continues, building more and more tension. The same is done for the crew members and producers, until we finally reach a quote from David Bowie, foreshadowing what is to come in the film. Finally, the black screen is iconically shattered as we enter the beginning of the movie.

3. Stand By Me (1986)

The final film i have chosen is very unique with it's opening credits. Once again there is a black screen, with sequences of white text appearing for the company and title flash. However during this, it is entirely silent, The music begins as we head to the country to begin the film, the cast is read off mid film, as opposed to in it's own sequence like in the pervious films I researched. The white text is a nice contrast to the way the film plays.

Analyzing these scenes has told me a lot about how unique each credits scene really is. Careful choices in music, pacing, and typology can fully develop the upcoming film. The scenes vary based off of how the scene is to being the film, and that's what makes the credit scenes so vital.