Brainstorming Credit Ideas

When looking at the credits of Film Noir films, I realised that they use the classic 'scroll up' animation on the screen. We have studied 'Double Indemnity' previously in class, and I took particular notice of the credits (both opening and ending). 

I felt that although the sound used was important, that the background image gives a key impression about the Film Noir and the events within the film. 

Some brief notes I wrote about the opening follow:

- 'A Paramount Picture' institution is named to inform the audience who has distributed it

- This is accompanied by minor key music with harsh 'screeching' sounds - Non Diagetic

- There is a fade transition to a foggy/smoky location - creating an enigma as to events and mystery regarding the plot - convention of Noir genre

- Silhouette shown - convention of Noir - mystery as to who the character is

- Stark contrasted lighting - low key - strong shadows created

- Man on crutches - teaser to audience regarding events in film - How did he get in that position?/ What happened to him?

- Grand Music Non Diagetic - Fanfare - bold drums implies bold actions within the film?

- Fade in credits - bold white with black shadowed behind implies "you can't have shadow without light"

- Order of credits: 

             - Fred MacMurray - Main lead male - Detective type introduced first (Neff)

             - Barbara Stanwyck - Femme Fatale - Dangerous - introduced second (Phyllis)

             - Edward G. Robinson - Mentor/Friend of Neff - introduced third (Keyes)

- Three main characters that effect the plot most introduced first.

- Neff and Phyllis on the same line implies that they are involved - love - connected

- Keyes underneath gives strong impression that he's following their every move.

These opening credits are insightful into the story and a lot can be read into them regarding the plot and the different characters. I found this research useful as it meant, as I was watching other films, I was able to look at interesting aspects that I could use in my drafts or that could be used in the group Noir project.

In a film I watched on 22/1/13, Twilight - although not a Film Noir, there were key aspects from the credits that interested me greatly. The end credits especially. The music/song used was Linkin Park - Leave Out All The Rest. In terms of our group Film Noir, we have discussed the idea of creating our own score of music as Emma has a background music knowledge, as well as good links to other musicians within the School that we are able to use. 

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfbqjHWQvBw 

Video Posted by YouTube member seankillakilla

These credits are from Twilight and I particularly like them, as like the Noir's they stick to one image or loop of Film i.e. In 'Detour' where the audience are shown a point of view shot from the backseat of a car. In the Twilight ending credits, the audience is revealed a shot of the reflection of trees on 'disturbed' water creating a ripple effect. These opening credits are also 'sinister' as they are cast in low key lighting with a blue/cold filter. I feel that this would similarly be effective in the black and white style of Film Noirs, and that as a group or individual, we could incorporate this effect into the piece somehow. Furthermore water, as well as silhouettes are common conventions of the Film Noir genre and so would incorporate the audience with thoughts of negativity and weakness.