RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE - SHERLOCK HOLMES

As my final piece of research into film, I looked into the Sherlock Holmes title sequence. I decided to analyse this title sequence (even though I shall be creating a film opening) as it conveys certain codes and conventions which I may want to consider conducting in my own film opening. This title sequence is dramatic and fast paced, which is something I will need to include in my film opening if enigma and suspense is going to be attempted to be created.

One of the significant ways drama is created in the Sherlock Holmes title sequence is through the soundtrack. The soundtrack is fast paced, with heavy instrumentals. Loud drums and violins are used in order to create speed within the title sequence. Symbols of drum-kits are key in my opinion as they are a fast way of instantly creating speed and drama within music. In Sherlock Holmes for example, symbols crash whenever the tempo needs picking up again such as when new titles/characters are presented to the audience. 

Throughout the opening scene to Sherlock Holmes (2009) a lot of different titles are shown in similar ways. The theme of the opening sequence is quite old and dramatic. Characters are showed by freeze framing particular events which the character takes place in and then a tea-washed background is wiped over them along with the character name/actor’s name. What also surprised me about this opening sequence was that the director’s name was not only mentioned at the very beginning of the opening scene but was also shown at the end. This is unusual as normally we are told the director’s name at either the end or start, not both. Dramatic music is used as well to help the audience understand the mood and tempo of the story. Overall a lot of text is used to show who is in the film as well as important people such as the director.