TITLE SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

FIGHT CLUB

The Fight club title sequence is known for being one of the most memorable of the 90's as the audience were enthralled by its rollercoaster like feel. As you start off in the fear centre of the character's brain, you are driven through the winding pathways of the neurons in the brain. This 3D effect makes the audience feel involved with the action, giving them a sense of what they can expect to see in this film. The feeling of being on a ride leave the audience feeling excited but also tense as they have no idea really whats round the corner, which is a great parallel to the film. The tense fast pace music helps to emphasise the speed you are moving through the brain, but also the fear of the narrator. 3D artist Rob Redman said, "The overriding impression you are left with is one of slight unsettled anxiety and unease and you're left in no doubt that you're about to watch film with themes of darkness and introspection." This title sequence leads you seamlessly into the first scene of the film unobtrusively - which is exactly what a title sequence should do. 

ORDER OF CREDITS: 
1)FOX 200 PICTURES AND REGENCY ENTERPRISES PRESENT
2)A LINSON FILMS PRODUCTION
3)A DAVID FINCHER FILM
4)BRAD PITT
5)EDWARD NORTON
6)HELENA BONHAM CARTER
7)FIGHT CLUB
8)MEAT LOAF
9)JARED LETO
10)ZACH GRENIER, HOLT McCALLANY, EION BAILEY
11)CASTING BY LARAY MAYFIELD
12)COSTUME DESIGNER MICHEAL KAPLAN
13)SPECIAL MAKEUP EFFECTS SUPERVISOR ROB BOTTIN
14)SOUND DESIGNER REN KYLCE
15)MUSIC BY THE DUST BROTHERS
16)FILM EDITOR JAMES HAYGOOD
17)PRODUCTION DESIGNER ALEX McDOWELL
18)DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF CRONENWETH
19)EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ARNON MILCHAN
20)BASED ON THE NOVEL BY CHUCK PALAHNIUK
21)SCREENPLAY BY JIM OLHS
22)PRODUCED BY ART LINSON, CEAN CHAFFIN, ROSS GRAYSON BELL
23)DIRECTED BY DAVID FINCHER

The title credits are in an unusual sequence, which says a fair amount about the marketing of this film. With film credits, it normally goes two ways; the most predominant actors' name will be shown first, with the film title at the end; or the film title primary and the actors' names to follow. However, Brad Pitt was and still is a very renowned actor, therefore the producers decided to put his name first (for revenue purposes). Brad Pitt was amongst many other successful actors' at the time including Jared Leto, Helena Bonham Carter; whom were also shown before the film title 'Fight Club' - however, the other actors weren't. This may be since they are the three protagonists of the film and will help with marketing when it comes to advertisement. They are notable actors whose work the audience may be familiar with, enticing them to watch the film. 

DONNIE DARKO




The opening scene to Donnie Darko (2001) entices the audience smoothly into the film through the use of sound, location, lighting and characterisation. The establishing shot we see starts on a road on the mountain side. The foreground is dark creating a sense of mystery, then we get a panning shot as we are faced with the bright sunlight. About 30 seconds in we are greeted to what we assume is the protagonist, lying in the middle of the road; at this point the music is extremely slow building up tension as the camera moves closer to the individual. The camera work solely enthrals the audience as an over the shoulder shot sets the location perfectly creating an atmosphere of isolation; this leaves us demanding answers. At 1:30, we see the title of the film 'Donnie Darko'; immediately after a blinding flash appears, representing the sunrise. As the protagonist rides his bike through the forest, the pace of the music fastens as Echo and the Bunnymens' "The Killing Moon" is playing as non-diegetic sound.The seamless panning shots and tracking shots lead us fluently into the first scene where we briefly meet some characters. Overall, this opening scene entraps the audience as we are confused but more intrigued to discover more about this protagonist and why his strange behaviour is prevalent.