What are the four different types of film openings?

1) Titles on a blank screen: 

• Historically this is the most common type of of title sequence. 
• Involves different kinds of type face on a black background.
• Usually a white type face is used on a black background to create a high contrast. 

First title sequence I analysed: Psycho

• A very fast paced title sequence.
• Includes non-digetic music.
• Visual quality could have been improved. 

Second title sequence i analysed: Pulp Fiction: 

• Contains overlapping credits.
• Non-digetic background music. 

2) Titles on still images: 

• This is more elaborate than simple white text on a black background, historically title cards developed to include hand drawn borders and other images.
• This category of title sequence indicated a move past just text but a way to incorporate text with a visual image to hint at the tone or genre of the film.

3) Titles over moving images: 

• This category incorporates the credit titles with moving image behind the titles, sound and usually no dialogue.
• The moving image serves to offer either a metaphor or narrative thread.
• The narrative thread is to help introduce the tone /story lines of the film to the audience. 

The first title sequence I analysed: Rear Window

• Includes credits of cast members, director, producers, etc.
• Includes non-digetic music.

Second title sequence i analysed: Cidade de deus

• Digetic sounds of knives cutting and people talking.
• Includes credits.

4) Titles using Animation or Motion: 

• In the late 1990's the use of animation text in title sequences became more popular.
• The titles themselves became part of the moving image and are integrated together with the images.
• These title sequences require a lot of digital technology and stylised editing. 

First title sequence i analysed: Casino Royale

• Stylised 
• Includes credits 
• Non-digetic sound of music

Second title sequence i analysed: A Steven Spielberg film 

• Includes credits 
• Non-digetic sound of music.