Thriller title sequences

Se7en:

Within the title sequence to the film; 'Se7en' many connections unravel tying it into the thriller genre.
Firstly, a close up is taken of the pages of a book. A shadow is cast over these, presumed to be that of a human being. The pages are shaking, representing the powerful control of the undisguised shadow resulting in fear and terror.

In the next shot, a detailed sketch of two hands are plotted upon grid paper. This indicates a deep, methodical analysis showing someone of an intelligent nature. Not only this but this would suspect a huge amount of planning, possibly having been done before. When considering the two hands, one is seen to be in the light and the other contrasting in the dark. This could represent two different uses for the hands. The dark being that of a bad nature, used for dirty work and the other used wisely to plan out. Also, the fingers are shown to be distorted indicating that there is something physically and possibly mentally wrong with the thought to be assassin. With the incredibly visible veins shown within the hand, this could represent important points of torture.

Later, another close up is used to show the shredding of dead skin off a the finger. This could represent the disposal of the past or getting rid of any unknown evidence. The tool in which used to establish this is also sharp and therefore represents danger and potential harm.
Disturbing images are shown to represent the assassin to be a monster. Images of children, in pain with disfigurements are shown to indicate the sickness of the mind.

Many books and files are shown, representing continuous documenting. Pages of writing are seen with a shadowed pen. The use of the shadow represents documenting taking place time and time again, possibly being related evidence taken along side the intense planing.
A simple, plain red slide is then used, though the colour red is symbolic therefore becoming effective and signalling danger to the audience.
Diary entries, alongside clippings from books, photographs, found images and reels of film are shown. Collecting all these forms of media show the assassin as obsessive and purposeful. The destructiveness of words is also seen. The blacking out the words 'intercourse' and 'transsexual' along with the cutting and removal of the word 'GOD' show that this man is a sexually obsessed serial killer obsessed with religion.

The editing also links,being slow at the start and gradually building up. This represents the slow and long process of planning followed by the quick and unnoticeable tragic event.
Finally, when contemplating the sound of the opening title, the continuous background beat makes the scene intense and dramatic. Parts of the music are also distorted making the audience nervous creating a sense of waiting anticipation. The high pitching indicates a menacing nature along with a knocking sound providing vulnerability and incoming power upon the waiting audience.

Dexter

When analysing the title to the film, 'Dexter' sly conventions are used to indicate the thriller genre category it falls into.

Firstly, a mosquito is seen upon bare human skin. A smack of the insect is given to reveal a small patch of blood. This start could be foregrounding to a later event. A mosquito is significant due to it being a blood sucking creature, causing irritation and pain.

Linking into the blood occurrence already witnessed, the title 'DEXTER' appears upon screen. Having the title central represents presence and individuality. Not only this but the use of capital letters shows strength and using a sans-serif font indicates informality, of which thrillers are subdued to. The colour red of the title is symbolic to danger because it is usually associated with blood and the devil which are both negative things.

Next, the camera shows the brushing by of facial hair. The edges of these bristols show sharpness and therefore the potential of possible harm. These are then shown to be shaven off but in the process more pain is taken in by cutting the skin resulting in the dripping of blood. A piece of tissue is here by used to remove the blood. This could represent the soaking up of evidence and therefore the theory of trying to hide something.

The assassin later makes several slices into a slab of meat with a sharp knife. This could represent human skin and therefore danger to certain individuals targeted specifically . This is also shown with the stabbing of the meat. This is carried out central and indicates the area of the human heart representing death.

A close up of a mouth shows the ripping of food. This would indicate the man as the assassin, having a viscous nature.

The hands of the assassin therefore show a numerous amount of controlling action. The cracking of the egg indicates how he will destroy the victim, breaking them in a quick serge. This is also represented in the blending of the coffee beans showing destruction. With this it shows that the hands are in control.

Tomato ketchup is later represented as splodges of blood, like that of the opening scene, though fitting into the current theme. The orange also shows this. With the slicing and the juicing of the fruit this represents the shredding of skin and the opening spills of internals.

Finally to the man himself, being represented as strong due to his large muscles. Not only this but with a shirt being arranged and pulled over the assassins face this shows the control of suffocation. Also, white sheets represent death, with bodies being covered from head to toe after death.

In the last slides of the opening title, the audience are given direct mode address with the assassin so that a connection is possible with the character.

The editing within this title sequence takes many different pastes. The ordinary day to day scenes take a slower speed opposed to the destruction scenes being faster due to the quickness in which they occur. Finally, the sound also plays along to this being constant and mysterious making the audience nervy to what is  approaching. This sound is both diegetic and non-diegetic. The diegetic sound is the natural, occurring within the background although, the non-diegetic sound has been placed over the rest, making this the main sound changing the mood of the opening title sequence. 

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo:

When analysing the opening title to; 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' there is many literacy devices to pick up on.

Firstly, this title opens with several flashing images appearing on the screen. This instantly indicates the vast movement of the assassin and mystery of its occurrence.

Next, the title; 'The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo' appears upon screen. This is perfectly central showing presence within block. Not only this but informality is shown by using a sans-serif font. The title, to me looks like steel. This could be possible because steel is incredibly strong and the capitals in which the title is presented represent core strength.

Black ooze rips through this strength causing destruction indicting sheer power. Not only this but the movement within the keyboard shows that this liquid can seep into anything, penetrating deep into the tiniest of crevices. Annotations also indicate that many different paths are taken to infect the victim, seeking control though a menacing nature. Control is again shown by the entrapment of the opposition, sending out a silence scream of distress. This is also shown by the encroaching of human lips. This results in creating a gagging device causing suffocation and sensual silence indicative of how lethal the assassin is. Oozing from inside represents living within the human body.

After, a lit match appears upon screen, later to be seen falling. This is symbolic to danger because fire can cause havoc and monstrosity. This is proven by the setting a blaze of the mammals resulting in melting, causing facial deformities. A lit skull is also sequenced in the next slide, representing death.

Next, sticky vines cascade out in a creeping manor, inflicting more fury on what has already occurred within this opening title. These in tales a strangling nature causing the victims to be torn apart and brutally punctured. Not only this but vines and foul flowers unravel taking over the human face.

Penultimately as the title is drawing to an end, a face covered in ooze emerges as a long gone drowning man is sinking. This indicates no way out and represents that the black ooze has pulled everyone and everything down in its path. The black ooze in this instance is represented by hands, showing destruction and abomination leading to a permanent black darkness.

Finally, the closing slide witnesses a opened, wide mouth approaching the screen. This represents to the audience that the ooze will come and encompass them creating an anticipated sense of suspense.

The sound also adds to the suspense within the film. Having a fast tempo, gives the impression of heart racing action and adventure. The dramatic beats and vocals also send out to the audience signals of distress and terror. With disturbing music and fast cut editing this enables a connection with the audience to the thriller genre. This therefore allows their eyes always to be fixed to the screen, intriguing them to what is going to happen within the full blown film. The sound within this title sequence is all non-diegetic because it is an unnatural sound and in this case a soundtrack, being placed over the filming.