THRILLERRRR (but credits)

 

Ok I'm not making another Micheal Jackson Joke. LETS TALK CREDIT SEQUENCES!

Sooo after watching a bunch of credit sequences i've gathered the new insight that credit sequences don’t just list names, they also play a part in establishing the tone and hinting at themes of the movie they're about to watch. Like at first, I always thought credit sequences were just text on a screen, really goes to show how important each aspect of a movie is. Since part of our assignment is to include a credit sequence in our own thriller film opening, we analyzed how different thriller movies use their credits to build tension and unease before the story officially begins. The three thriller credit sequences analyzed are Se7en (1995), Insidious (2010), and Zodiac (2007). 

Se7en (1995)

The credit sequence of Se7en is one of the most iconic thriller openings ever, and for good reason. Instead of clean or neutral visuals, the credits have disturbing close-ups, handwritten notes, rough sketches, and glitchy editing. In fact, everything makes it feel dirty and uncomfortable to watch, immediately telling the audience that this aint gonna be a normal or easy watch. The fast cuts with the scratched text give like an eerie sense of anxiety without showing any actual violence. This is effective because it builds tension through just implication rather than action.What I really liked about this credit sequence is how much story it tells without any dialogue. The credits hint at themes of obsession and control before the movie even begins. Like Idk it's hard to explain how uneasy the credit sequence made me feel but I liked it! Thought it was neat. For our film opening, Se7en shows how credits can act as storytelling. Rather than being random, the visuals connect to certain themes that tie to the story. Like even something as simple as a font could be a great way to visually connect the credit sequence with the actual movie. Like imagine if the text was like comic sans, audiences wouldn't feel as uncomfortable as they do with the scratchy handwritten text that actually used.

(p.s I love brad pitt even though he lowk is a buttfart, hes a very attractive looking butt fart like im mesmerized by his face in the poster holy moly quit MOGGING!)

Insidious (2010)

AHHH INSIDIOUS wow this credit sequence like... wow it was so cool. The opening credit sequence of Insidious really surprised me because it’s not visually busy at all but like still extremely effective at like SPOOKIN ME! The slow pacing and dark visuals OO and especially the high-pitched, unsettling music like immediately made me feel uncomfortable. The sound design does most of the work here, and it works so so well. What stood out the most was the use of red text against dark backgrounds and how like they only used whites, greys, blacks and POPPING RED. It's such a simple thing like be colors on red but it really makes audiences feel alert as red signifies evil and danger, especially against the dark and eerie visuals WITH THE FREAKING LIGHTING. like ew I felt like I was inside a horror game (but not ew it was awesome) The credits don’t show explicit paranormal activity, but they make it very clear that something is wrong. That subtlety actually makes it scarier. Since our film includes paranormal horror elements, this credit sequence was especially inspiring to us as it showed that we don’t need jump scares or intense visuals right away. Sound, color, and even pacing alone can build fear. Again, so very cool. 

Zodiac (2007)

Ok speedrun on this one.The credit sequence in Zodiac takes like a more quieter approach?? but it’s still incredibly effective. Instead of chaos or obvious fear the credits unfold slowly with realistic visuals and a calm but eerie tone. This creates a feeling of like dread and not shock like some of these other ones (i lowkey linda like it tho it makes it feel more real) What I really liked about this sequence is how it makes the audience feel like they’re being pulled into a true story. The slow pacing gives you time to think, which actually increases tension. Like you know something bad is coming but you’re not sure when or how. This credit sequence made me realize that thriller credits don’t always have to be intense to be effective. Sometimes a slow build is even powerful as well. Heyyy little but packs a big punch! For our own film opening, Zodiac inspired us to consider a more subtle credit sequence that lets tension simmer... like it would be a neat combination with some of the other elements in the other sequences.

(p.s I also love jake gyllenhall. just letting you know.)

FINAL THOUGHTS!

I'm having nightmares tonight. That's all.