Researching Thriller Films - Opening Sequences

An opening sequence is designed to:

• establish character and narrative context
• set up a degree of curiosity or question that will be answered later on in the film
• help the audience understand location, character and purpose
• cut between credits and action

I have analysed 3 opening sequences, and stated whether it meets the four specified points. This is shown either in green (it meets the criteria) or in red (it doesn't meet the criteria)

Se7en
- The music worked
- Repeated sound effects
- Never see the character
- Confusing, but keeps your interested 

• establish character and narrative context
• set up a degree of curiosity or question that will be answered later on in the film
• help the audience understand location, character and purpose
• cut between credits and action

Catch Me If You Can
- Completely animated
- All links together
- Shots fade in and out

• establish character and narrative context (one character is chasing the other)
• set up a degree of curiosity or question that will be answered later on in the film (why is he running?)
• help the audience understand location, character and purpose
• cut between credits and action (all blends in together)

Usual Suspects
- Real life action
- Very clever use of props
- Dark atmosphere makes you wonder what is happening

• establish character and narrative context
• set up a degree of curiosity or question that will be answered later on in the film
• help the audience understand location, character and purpose
• cut between credits and action