Title Research: xXx State of the Union

The next title sequence my group and I decided to research is State Of The Union. It can be found on the website watchthetitles.com

1.How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

In this title sequence, I counted a total of 20 titles that included the name of the movie, and anyone who contributed to the making of the movie. Some titles were played out longer than others because they were either more important or more significant. Either way, everyone was included in the title sequence.

2.What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Most of the images in this opening sequence were animated objects that relate to the movies overall theme and feel. Objects like barbed wire and bullets were displayed being that the movie is an action/thriller. There was one scene that was pulled straight out of the movie which was the very opening scene when Ice Cube was seen walking into prison escorted by two guards.

3.What connotation do the images carry?

The images give a feeling of action and at the same time suspense. The dangerous weapons and sharp items come together to give us the idea that this film is going to involve a lot of action and thrill. They are well put together to give the viewers the emotions to match the film.

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

The titles in this sequence are all introduced very rapidly and it really pops with ominous colors. The background in turn also helps to give this thrill like emotion because it is dark with touches of red and chrome with pictures of dangerous items or remote atmospheres. The build of the score can be found constructed the same in a lot of other thriller movies so we as the audience can tell it will be a thriller as well.

5.How does the film develop an enigma from the outset?

The first scene of this sequence shows a man in handcuffs being escorted by police officers in what looks like a secure facility while at the same time giving a devious looking face. With this said, the audience is all sharing the same thoughts of why the man is in this trouble and what is he planning on doing with this look on his face. The sequence then jumps straight into showing the titles leaving us with only ideas and theories.

6.What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Someone who plans on watching the movie probably already knows the genre and what they've gotten themselves into before watching it. Being that the title sequence is one of the first parts of the movie that the viewers will see, it has to compliment the emotions that are trying to be given off in the movie. A slow-moving vibrant color title sequence is not what the audience will be expecting out of a thriller movie. This title sequence compliments the movie well with its fast-paced music, dark colors, and popping names throughout.

7.How has technology been used effectively?
Most of the clips in this title sequence were computer made so camera angles and shots did not play a huge factor. The one scene from the movie that we did see was a medium close up shot of the men in the prison that turned to an over the shoulder shot. Transitions did play a huge factor in the making of this sequence as they were all different but were relative to the theme of the movie. They were very swift and quick to get our heart pumping. The editing involved included lots of moving pictures and titles as well. Overall, it was a simply made title sequence but effective one.