Opening Sequences - Reserch.

The Purpose Of An Opening Sequence:
To establish the visual style & mood of the film and to introduce the audience to:
Characters - Main and minor.
Location/Setting
Narrative/Plot - Who the story is following.
Genre - Thriller, Romance, Comedy, etc.
Themes

Examples:
The Panic Room.
Deep music Credits written in appropriate font to the style and setting of the film - Looks like the writting belongs on the buildings - Transparent writting.

Vertigo.
Lengthy title sequence. Swirling - Disorientating, shows disorder of the mind. Dark music - Builds up. Very different from modern thrillers because of the lengthy title sequence. Modern films seem to get into the film faster.

Resevoir Dogs.
Voiceover. Non-diagetic, upbeat Music. Almost slow motion. Exposition. Shows the Auter of the director.

Manhatten.
Establishing shots. Voice over. Non - Diagetic. Documentary style shots. Quick Cuts.

Train Spotting.
Montage. Voice over Introduction to the characters - Shown as stills while name comes up. Get a general idea of the type of setting that will be used.