Title Design Research: Shirley

 How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? Which ones?

There were 13 different titles used in this film. Director, screenplay artist, the book the movie was based on, producers, executive producers, cinematographer, production designer, lead editor, costume designer, music director, music supervisors, casting directors, and actors were the types of titles shown.

What connotations do the images carry?

This introducing sequence appeared simple and sweet at first, but became eerie and ominous as the camera zoomed in further on the couple and the non-diegetic sound playing over the scene got louder. The sounds of a train make the audience concerned for the couple as tension rose and the audience tries to figure out what is going to go wrong.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The thriller elements here come from the happy, average couple and the danger present in the background. The danger, however, suggested an accident rather than something intentional or cruel like a murder. When hearing all of the non-diegetic noise, the audience begins to question what destroyed the peaceful moment the couple was having. 

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

This opening sequence was constantly zooming in toward the couple, occasionally having the actors fall into a two-shot inside the frame. The blur affect made the scene less real and almost comparably to a foggy memory. Finally the non-diegetic sound adds tension ad=nd mystery, make the audience search for the cause of such stress, especially in what was previously a peaceful moment.