Title Research: Blood Quantum

Hey guys! Another opening sequence we analyzed was from the movie Blood Quantum made in 2019. We found this opening sequence from the website "Art of the Title," and our observations are down below. 

1. What titles are displayed during the opening sequence? 

During the opening sequence, the first title card shown is the title of the movie "Blood Quantum." Then, 8 different titles pop up on the screen, each is of the actor's names. Next, the casting by, costumes by, 1st assistant director, music composed by, sound design by, production designers, director of photography, executive producers, producer, written by, directed by, and edited by are all shown. 

2. What images are prioritized during the opening sequence? 

In the opening sequences, many images of the open sea are incorporated. In the beginning, we also see an abandoned structure near the ocean with one man standing. Throughout, a town by the sea and a bridge are also shown. A cemetery is featured as well. Lastly, we see a police car driving down a road surrounded by forest, and a house that looks worn and weathered. 

3. What connotations do these images carry? 

The images of the endless sea can represent hopelessness or fear of what lies beneath. For the worn down buildings shown in the beginning and end of the scene, these images carry a connotation of a lack of security, which can elicit fear. The town by the sea does not carry a strong connotation, but instead gives the watcher an idea of the setting and a sense of anticipation to learn about its importance. The image of a cemetery creates a sense of fear and has a connotation of death and despair. In the last image shown, the police car creates the idea that something bad is or is about to happen, and the expanse of trees creates a sense of danger as you do not know what is hidden in the forest. 

4. How does this film establish the feeling of the genre from the outset? 

As soon as the film begins, the watcher is greeted with non-diegetic sound. The music used is pounding and fast paced, creating the characteristic feel of suspense that is associated with the horror genre. Next, we see the use of reds, oranges, dark blue, and black throughout the opening sequence. The dark black and blues signify uncertainty, danger, and create a foreboding feel. The orange and red colors used in the background and titles has a connotation of blood, danger, and violence, which all help to create the feeling of fear for the genre. Lastly, in almost all of the scenes, the camera is moving at a fast pace, making the watchers sit at the edge of their seat in anticipation for what they will see next. This is also very characteristic of horror movies, as it adds to the suspense. 

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

The first strategy used is showing unknown male figures in both the beginning and ending scenes. This helps appeal to the target audience, as this lone figure creates a sense of unease and uncertainty. The audience begins to wonder what caused them to be all alone, in such an abandoned setting, and it can hint that something bad is coming or has already happened. This uncertainty is characteristic of horror movies, appealing to audiences. The second strategy used deals with he dim lighting found in the beginning of the opening sequence. The scenes seem to be filmed right before the sun rises, so the dim and gloomy lighting creates a sense of fear. This is because the dark is typically associated with danger, and this sense of fear appeals to the audience. Lastly, a tracking shot was used to follow the movement of the cop car, and by following the car in real time, it creates a senes of suspense of what is going to happen next. 

6. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

First, dutch angles were used a lot in this opening sequence when showcasing the setting. This creates a feeling of unease and tension, as the effect of the spinning makes the watcher feel unsettled. Next, a high angle and aerial shots were used to show certain aspects of the setting that carried a negative connotation. For example, the cemetery was effectively captured using these angles, and this created that sense of horror within the viewer. Throughout the film, action matches were also used when showing the setting. For example, when showing the ocean and surrounding town, the camera will maintain the same pace, angle, and camera movement will remain the same. This helps to make the transitions smooth, and this editing also helps to maintain the suspenseful feel of the fast shots, since they blend into one another so seamlessly. Another editing technique used to help transition into different scenes was a dissolve. In the beginning, the title of the movie dissolves into what seems to be an abandoned world characterized by menacing smoke and dark colors. This smooth transition effectively maintains the feeling of horror. Lastly, the editing of the fast paced non-diegetic sound is matched to the changes of scenes and the appearance of titles. This helps to enhance the suspense for the viewer, as all of these elements are tied together through the editing.