Title Design Research: Science Fiction Thriller- "Strange Days": Virtually Endless Possiblities

I'll be examining the opening title sequences to further gather research and understanding of the movie opening.

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?

    As the movie begins, the title sequence is simple. It starts by introducing the production companies (twentieth-century fox and light storm entertainment) as they are in one font with a black background fading in and out to the next company changing colors until the titles end with the name of the movie "Strange Days."

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

    We first see a date maybe having to do with what's happening in the later scenes involving the burglary. Then we see an eye as someone in the background says "You ready?"  as the person with the eye says "Yeah, boot it" as they are then glitched into the memory of that person emphasized with a point of view shot. Then we see the burglary, as it ends with us (the burglar) dying after being chased by the police and then glitching at the end of the memory. This shows that it was some sort of record memory that we are expressing then our own; contrast is created- aware of where the lines.

What connotations do these images carry?

    We first make our first connection with the video/memory not being our own as we see the glitching at the beginning and the end of the opening sequence. As well as making the connection with the date, as it also makes sense with the burglary it's the recording of a date it happened. It makes sense why the person at the beginning with the open eye says "Yeah, boot it" as they are referring to playing some sort of video game or video.

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

    The movie connects with the science-fiction thriller genre as it has the themes of being able to vividly look into people's memories as well as virtual reality. The beginning starts with some kind of glitch as well as the font as they use. It has a very code-like font.  That matches the theme of the movie. The glitch is seen at the beginning and the end. As the thriller part comes in with the rotary with that very intense scene.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

    This film is rated R so it is intended for adults as it includes vulgar language, violence, and suggestive content. It is also tailored more towards that particular age group because it focuses on the mature themes of corruption, conspiracy, and murder. Moreover, it is based on the concept of virtual reality and the ability to see past memories of the deceased. These are obviously heavier topics that some young children and teenagers may not fully grasp, but which adults can fully comprehend and enjoy a film about, especially with the increasing relevance of technology and virtual reality in society.

How has technology been used effectively with regards to camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques?

    In our next clip, we see an extreme close-up at the start to create a distressing feeling. The editing is glitchy and slightly warped. These edits indicate that something much more sinister may be coming for these burglars than what we had initially imagined. Throughout the entirety of the title sequence we receive pure, shaky camcorder style POV shots. The camera’s lack of focus builds up tension and brings us to the edges of our seats. It gives a raw experience that reflects the true fear and feelings, or intention of these main characters. Transitions between each shaky shot is snappy and quick, making it feel as if everything is one continuous and high energy shot. The ending scene ends with a glitch after our character falls off a building, this leaves the reality up to question. These scenes effectively show pure idiocy and chaos, as well as leaving us drowning in suspense, leaving us wondering what could possibly be next.