Title Research: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

    I really liked the title sequence for this film. The conventional colors for the horror genre are effectively used (red and black). The slowly building score is played as the titles appear at the beginning of the sequence.

    How many titles are displayed during the opening of the sequence to the film?

     In this film, a total of 29 titles are displayed. They include producers, directors, actors, and others involved in the bulk of the production. The titles were either all red or black depending on the color of the background which was the opposite color. For example one of the shots was an all-red screen with black branches hanging from the top of the screen. Therefore, the title was centered in the middle in bold black letters to contrast the red background.

    What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

     Like I said previously, tree branches were included in the title sequence. Additionally, the branches formed what looked like skulls in some of the shots. What looked like roots also could be seen in some frames of the opening sequence.

    What connotations do the images carry?

     The tree branches and roots make me personally believe that the story might take place mainly in or around a forest. This follows the horror genre conventions of setting as a commonplace to hold a story is in the woods. This gives off a spooky feeling to the audience before the film actually begins.

    How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

     Similar to the previous question, the genre is reinforced as tree branches may symbolize the woods. Roots symbolize the ground or earth, similar to trees, they care found in the forest, a common setting for a horror story. Additionally, skulls symbolize death, at least in my mind. This makes for an eerie start to the film as the audience will know that death will play a part in the film.

    How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

     As the only images in the title sequence are tree branches, roots, and skulls, they don't give the story away to the audience before the actual film begins. It leaves the audience ready for what is to come without giving away too much about the plot. It is a smart way to incorporate images into a title sequence without confusing or spoiling the movie to the audience.

    What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

     With the help of a slow-building score and odd images, it leaves the audience wondering what's in store for the main characters of the film. It is a suspenseful, spooky opening sequence to an even creepier film.

    How has technology been used effectively?

     The use of the standard horror genre color scheme of black and red sets a suspenseful tone. Additionally, the fade-in and fade-out of titles along with the slow building score creates a really unique effect and it allows the audience to get mentally prepared for the story. Other than these two aspects of technology, the title sequence is pretty standard for horror films.