Individual analysis of title sequence

Title sequence

When looking into title sequences I wanted to look at what is seen as influential in the genre we are focusing on so I could get ideas and apply them to our film and identify the conventions of thrillers through title sequences.
According to IMDB these are the top 100 psychological thrillers, however to condense it down here's the Top 10... http://www.imdb.com/list/ls057336010/

Top 10 Psychological Thrillers:

1. Se7en 1995
2. The Machinist 2004
3. Silence of the Lambs 1991
4. Jacob's Ladder 1990
5. Pi 1998
6. The Game 1997
7. Taxi Driver 1976
8. The Shining 1980
9. Duel 1971
10. Black Swan 2010

I wanted to analyse a film that I have seen but wanted a good example and representation of the genre as well so I chose to look at the title sequence of Black Swan.

This specific title sequence includes the following:

•  Distributor: "Fox Searchlight Pictures Presents"
•                      "A Darren Aronofsky Film"
•  Production: "In association with Cross Creek Productions"
• Music By Clint Mansell
• Story By Andres Heinz
• Produced By Mike Medavoy and Arnold W.Messer
• Executive producers
• Screen Play
• Cast
• Then finally the title of the film "Black Swan"

The content of the title sequence is very simplistic and doesn't give anything away about the genre, however I feel this is effective as it adds mystery and adds tension by the music in the background which goes from soft and subtle to quite loud and tense. These title sequences are obviously focusing on the music for a reason, as the music is classical ballet music which gives the audience the idea of what the film may be about. The music used in the film is a classical piece "The Swan Lake" by Tchaïkovski. The music again is linked to the storyline of the film.

The Editing in the titles of Black Swan is a continuity editing with the hand and the black crayon drawing something on a blank canvas. In terms of editing they use subtle Fade in and Fade out between shots to show that there is a subtle shift in time and makes it almost seem elegant. The editing matches the change in music and begins to become quick paced editing when the music becomes louder and more dramatic. Again I feel the link between music and editing almost tells the audience what the narrative is about.

In this title sequence it adds connotations of danger by adding quick editing when the music gets louder of the hand intently drawing and making the blank canvas really dark and dull with the chalk. Even though naturally this wouldn't have connotations it shows the transition of "the calm before the storm" which is reflected in the storyline. By linking the action of something so simple with the editing and music.

When the title of the film appears it fades in when the music returns  back to being soothing and calming. I feel that the music and editing make the title sequence effective in this case, as it shows distinct connotations and the narrative of the film. I really feel this title sequence shows that they can be really simplistic but very effective. The only action that is in this title sequence is a hand drawing on a canvas, which wouldn't necessarily link with the film, however its the connotations of 'The Calm before the Storm' and the connotations of danger with the black chalk.

Overall I feel that this title sequence is effective to say it's so simple, the choice in music and editing is perfect in basing the storyline by adding the element of classical ballet, which links to the narrative. I feel that the simple idea and action in the title sequence is more effective and would be considered in using some elements in the group title sequence.