structures of film openings

Film openings can be portrayed in many different ways, and the type of structure that a film follows is chosen to signify the genre of the film.

discrete title sequence

A discrete title sequence is a film opening which has the credit titles running over the beginning of the film, with images/action taking place in the background. Films which use discrete title sequences do not have narrative voiceovers, and often do not introduce key characters. Instead, they use music to reflect the film's mood and often include time manipulation.

An example of this can be seen in ENEMY OF THE STATE.

the titles are overlapping the film's footage. the film takes on the genre of action and  is signified by the fast-pace of the opening clips. No characters are shown properly; we see a busy city, which is a way of setting the film's mood.


narative opening
The is  usually use of an entire  soundtrack in the opening to show that the film is a thriller, it is also often shot in  remote locations, for example, the shining is in a remote and secluded location but it also has a very large hotel in the middle of know where which seems weird and unusual to viewers watching. The opening  takes viewers straight into the movie, in The Shining, the camera is tracking the yellow car suggesting that there is some significance to do with the people in it.

here is an example of narrative opening.