THE PURPOSE OF A TITLE SEQUENCE 

The main purpose of a Title Sequence/Film opening includes a variety of things; for example, they should highlight the main icons/actors for the movie; they should establish the enigmas that are created with the opening scene in order to engage the audience from the beginning, enabling them to become perceptive of what the opening scenes and possibly entire film may entail. 

Black Swan is an example of a discrete title sequence, meaning that it was edited separately from the film and is essentially a short film prior to the main piece. It aims to entice the audience by setting the tone of the film. This title sequence opens with calm and graceful classical music, parallel to the archaic styled type writer font. The ballet dancer and fabric also helps to create a sense of delicacy within the scene. This quickly escalates to a more apprehensive feeling as the pace of the music quickens and we are faced with what we think is blood splatters amongst the once fragile fabric. This immediately creates a sinister atmosphere entrapping the audience. There's a strong sense of mystery in the title sequence as we are only greeted by the ballet dancer behind the fabric. The loss of identity is prevalent as we do not meet eye contact, disregarding a direct mode of address. In this title sequence it is important to note we are exhibited with 'Natalie Portman', the main actress' name first. This is since it was marketed as a 'Natalie Portman' film, as she is a successful actress who is able to sell the film to the public. 

The Stepfather is an example of a title sequence as it leads you seamlessly into the film, whilst drawing in the audience. The Stepfather creates a foreboding atmosphere instantaneously due to the tense music and barber equipment shown within the opening scene. These materials have a particular sinister feel as they are neatly lined up in an immaculate manner - creating a sense of obsessiveness or peculiarity about the character. A prolonged panning shot of family photos gives us an idea of the characters we may be introduced to later in the film or what the film may entail; and is also parallel to the title of the film. The baneful tone we were introduced with, is quickly substituted with a habitual surrounding. The contrapuntal sound of christmas music plays as the first character we are introduced with continues with everyday life in a usual family house setting. The tone changes instantly as we are unveiled to an array of bloody murder weapons in the sink, a barking dog, and people on the floor - who are what we assume as dead family members. Immediately allowing the audience to come to the realisation that our first intentions were exact, and the main character is somewhat of a psychotic being. The christmas music still playing in the background now has a very different tone as 'Silent Night' now connotes with something in contrast to what we assumed before. Subverting to the Black Swan, the first thing we see is not an actors name - but is the name of the film. This is since a less - known actor may not be able to sell the film as well as the title could.