The Number 23
When watching the opening sequence of 'The Number 23' it is clear from the very beginning of the sequence the repetitiveness of this number is a statement deliberately used to get the audience thinking. This successfully creates instant narrative enigma and as planned, the audience is left in the dark wondering what the significance and the importance of this specific number is. Intentionally, it makes the audience want to watch on so they are able to elaborate and slowly unravel the connotation of the number '23'. Below are screenshots of the repetitive use of this number in this sequence.
The titles and the credits that are shown in the opening sequence are merged together. As '23' doesn't move from the screen, the credits are featured around it. The writing is deliberately fragmented and dark red which suggests it has been handwritten, and although we never get an introduction to the characters, we quickly make an assumption that whoever and for whatever reason, they are the ones who are writing, again creating narrative enigma. Here are examples of the titles and credits being shown together.
However, I personally think the music used in this sequence is the most effective convention. At the beginning a build up of a long drained noise, which varies in sound is used. This warns the audience that a loud bang is approaching, which encourages them to prepare for it. For example at 13 seconds, the sudden sound of a camera shocks the audience, as although there are expectations of one coming up, the feeling on not knowing when makes them jump. The use of a drum throughout gives the sequence an ongoing beat, and the piano which is used at 20 seconds creates an uneasy atmosphere. As we get further into the sequence the music gets faster and louder, this again makes us think something unexpected is going to come around, highlighting the genre of the film.
Forrest Gump
When watching the opening sequence of 'Forrest Gump' only to a certain extent is narrative enigma created. Throughout the sequence the camera focuses on a feather which is floating around the screen - until eventually it lands on a mans foot, in which he then picks up and puts in his brief case. As an audience we gain an understanding that there is a hidden connotation behind this feather, and for this simple reason it makes us want to watch on so we can figure out what the importance and the significance of it actually is.
Even before the film starts the institutional logo indicates the genre. Many romantic films are presented by ‘paramount pictures’ so that is an instant hint as to what the film is going to encounter. As the sequence goes on, all the credits gradually appear . Basic white font is used and this creates a feeling of relaxation towards the film, which is opposite to the anxiety feeling one would get watching ’The Number 23’. Below are the screen shots of the institutional logo, but also the credits which are shown throughout the sequence.
Finally, even though the music is non-diegetic the soft and gentle approach it has makes the audience feel part of the scene. It slowly comes in and gradually gets louder which is obviously used to reaffirm the genre of this film. As an audience we don't feel threatened (as some may feel towards The Number 23) but instead calm with the situation. A piano and a violin are the main instruments that are played, and due to the fact they are associated with 'peace' and 'love' it works well with this opening sequence.
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