Research into Title Sequence Music

Research

I have asked a Music Technology student to produce the music for the title sequence in our five minute film. We decided that we would look at some title sequence music from a selection of films to get a basic idea on what kind of sound to create and what would suit the psychological crime thriller we are trying to create. All title sequence music is non-diagetic.

Silence of the Lambs

The music for this film is a classical piece and is made purely from string orchestral instruments to create suspense. It is played in a minor tone to create a sad atmosphere to introduce the film to the audience.  This is something i would like to create because we would like the audience to be on the side of Kyle because they won't know what Kyle did in the past. Although i do feel like this piece of music is too dramatic for our film.

The Sixth Sense

Again, this music is a classical piece involving mostly strings but with added sounds from keys. The occasional cymbal hit was also introduced. The music used is not intrusive to the features involved on the title sequence and is very much a background feature. The classical dramatic music seems to be a theme among thriller films with it's ease of creating suspense.

Pyscho

Yet again, the music for this opening sequence is performed by strings however using a staccato technique. This gives a less than subtle approach in comparison to the previously researched film title sequence's. This might be something i'd like to incorporate into the title sequence but I don't feel like it would be as effective as a minor classical piece.

Shutter Island

This is an orchestral piece that features various different sounds and instruments. A bell like sound was used to create a dripping sounds, a drip that was featured on the footage of the title sequence. Rolling drums were used to create the sound of thunder. Thunder is associated with dark times and this will give the audience the impression that there are dark times to come in the film. The strings section almost creeped in and out of the piece of music creating an eerie ambience.

The Shining

This piece contains mostly brass instruments and has a harsh element to it. This is not something i would like to create it wouldn't match the title sequence of 'The Employer'. Voices are regularly featured throughout that sound like cries for help to embody the audience with a sense of unease which wont need to happen in our film.

In conclusion, I would like to create a classical piece that has an almost sad feeling. The audience can feel empathy whilst watching Kyle because Kyle is the character that needs to be felt most sorry for at the beginning of the film.