Title Sequence Analysis

 Title Sequence Analysis

For my title sequence analysis, I decided to break down the opening series to Captain America: The Winter Soldier due to it's use of iconography and colour. The film also has strong war related themes running through it's premise and title which links to our storyline for our own final film. 

 The use of white with a bold font on the black background helps to make the names of the directors stand out. This will solidify that the audience will take note of who made the film so that they will contribute their names to the films overall success. It could also be connoted that the use of black and white is a reference to the cinematography that would have been used during the time of Captain America's initial stance in World War Two, giving links to the events that were explored in the first film.

The star is subsequently used as an edit from the first title to the next but is also utilized as iconography for the character of Captain America who is known for his extensive use of American propganda such as the colours of the United States flag and it's stars. This will thus give the audience an inclination into who the story is about and the potential settings that will be showcased. The use of non-diegetic music provides an upbeat almost orchestral tone to the title sequence indicating themes of power and glory.

 

The following title finally reveals the main character in his animated form. The use of red could symbolise 'danger' as it provides a stark contrast against the black and white backdrop. This could indicate to audiences the unsettled and morally ambiguous world in which the story is now set as well as foreboding the intentions of characters. The title sequence further addresses the underlying political and spy themes that run through Captain America's journey from a World War Two solider to a superhero in pursuit of menacing individuals.

The planes are a nod to the industrialisation and innovation that is consistently taking place in modern society. They represent the thrilling aspect of the film, giving it's style a nod to a 70's conspiracy spy thriller through the use of silhouette, whilst also introducing the more advanced technology of the 21st century. It could be interpreted that the planes are symbolism for the journey that is about to take place whether it be through the character's own self discovery or an actual physical one. 

The dynamic of the title sequence changes through the switch from a black and white theme to a red and white one. This could imply the change in time nevertheless the severity of the threat that Captain America is about to face. The use of graphics in the title sequence are a reference to the comic book background of the character as well as the style of the art that is commonly used in comic book storyboards. The recurring use of the flag iconography demonstrates the nationalism that the United States express as a country and portrays Captain America as a symbol and not just a person.

The close up shot of Captain America's silhouette breaking the glass with his shield could connote that the character is breaking through barriers and destroying the obstacles that have been put in place to slow him down. This further explores the character's heroism and determination, giving the audience an insight into the action packed genre of the film as well as a celebration of the character's personality. This draws attention to the stereoscopic style of the piece and manages to show off the complexity of the artwork whilst also relating to the plot.

The inclusion of red stops towards the end of Captain America's showcase and the title sequence returns to using a black and white theme. The character of Bucky only has red included on his star which could suggest that he has an aura of threat and danger about him. Nevertheless, it could also show the bond between Captain America and Bucky as friends because of them both having red stars on their uniform. The non-diegetic music continues to be dramatic at this point in the title showcasing the nature of the film. The use of the American flag as a shadow forebodes that Bucky has left his former self behind him and he is not the same person as before.

A female character is introduced in the next instalment of the title. The implication of a picture coupled with the compass shows that the woman is a person from Captain America's past and that she is potentially someone that he misses and/or cares deeply about. As well as the compass being a symbol of sentimentality, the object further signifies the past. The title regularly gives references to the World War Two background of Captain America whilst also giving small glimpses into the future. This documents that the character has strong ties to the past and forebodes that it will regularly come back to haunt him.

The bold white writing against the black backdrop makes sure that the Marvel Studios title stands out and reveals the content of the film. Marvel Studios is an American motion picture studio that has been releasing superhero based movies since 1993. Because of Marvel Studios strong stance in Hollywood and it's links to the recognisable and consistently popular Marvel comic books, the audience will be able to infer from this title what the film is going to be about and the types of characters that it is going to present. They know that with this film they will be dealing with a fantasy based plot so that anyone who is a fan of Horror or Comedy, won't necessarily be best suited to this film.

Finally, the main title appears to reveal the name of the film before running the full feature. This is done last so that the audience has the opportunity to be introduced to the film and notice which actors and companies have been involved in the production of it. The title sequence is also used as a way of giving the audience a glimpse into the storyline so that they can decide whether the film looks intriguing or not. The use of bold italic against the symbol of Captain America's black and white shield highlights the iconography of the character and his trademark weapon, causing excitement in the audience, as they anticipate what is about to happen to their favourite superhero.