The Importance of an Opening Sequence.

Opening sequences are important because they set the feeling of the film. They also give the viewer a valuable insight into what the film is going to be based on. It also sets the atmosphere and intensity.

The opening of a movie can be considered one of the most important pieces in a film. Other than trailers and marketing elements they are the first thing the audience see when they start watching the film. These clips lasting usually about two to three minutes outline the filmmaker's intentions and set up the expectations of those watching. Saul Bass, a graphic artist in the film industry said, "making a main-title was like making a poster, you're condensing the event into this one concept, this one metaphor·a back-story that needs to be told or a character that needs to be introduced."

Here is an example of a film with an iconic opening:

Saving Private Ryan

Reference: http://myweb.cwpost.liu.edu/paievoli/finals/505Sp_03/Prj2/MataP2.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZJANhWizUY