Group research on film openings

While doing research into a wide variety of film openings from all genres to see what specific signifiers identify each genre I noticed that not all openings contain title sequences. This technique is usually used in action and fantasy/adventure films so that the pacing maintains to be quick and result in a more exciting narrative. An example of this can be seen in the 'Harry Potter' franchise, with the films beginning with production logos but not continuing with any other titles, apart from the name of the film itself. Despite this, in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,' a mood and tone is still quickly established in the very few titles that it has. Having the logos revealed through the clouds immediately implies that this film is a part of the fantasy genre, with this lack of realism also being accompanied with a harp to suggest that the mood and tone is quite enigmatic and thus compelling.

The dark shading of the clouds has connotations of depression and hopelessness, contradicting the uplifting harp music, while also hinting towards a more adult tone. Similarly, the gold coloured Warner Brothers logo contrasts this darkness with having connotations of wealth and luxury. The consistency of these symbolic differences also link to the binary opposites of good versus evil, implicating that this film follows a traditional narrative of the main protagonist having to conquer a certain challenge to prevail.

- Ryan Chapman -