Title Research: Split

The next film I analyzed is the film Split. This film was released by Universal Studios in 2016. The film was directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
The opening scene has 22 titles in total. This starts off with producers, cast, other workers, and like always ends with its director, M. Night Shyamalan.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
In between the titles, a scene of a woman being transported through a hallway is shown. This scene continues to reoccur in between the titles as they flash.

What connotations do the images carry?
This image adds a mysterious and ominous tone to the scene. This indicates that the film might be confusing or more of a psychological thriller. The scenes flashing also add a sense of urgency. The sense of urgency combined with mystery is the origin of a true thriller.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The man with a mask is a sign of a thriller. The secret adds to the suspenseful aspect of a thriller film. This along with quick movements, such as the titles quickly flashing. These two add a sense of urgency or suspense to the scene.

How does this film establish an enigma from the outset?
The mysterious woman being transported through the halls is an odd image we don't usually see.The film establishes an enigma from the beginning by cutting in the middle of the scene of the man with the mask. The man is clearly up to no good, and by cutting right as the audience is about to see what occurs, it builds mystery and hype to continue watching.These scenes being flashed add a sense of suspense as the viewers do not understand what is happening. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
Adding suspense and grabbing the attention is important for the first two minutes of a film. This can be achieved with the lighting, pacing, acting and music. The music was very eerie as it sets the moody tone for the film. These factors all create the urgency and suspense a thriller film should have.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.
The camera angles did not play an impact since most of the opening sequence was computer-generated text. The letters connected to each other, which is ironic hence the name. The editing was interesting in that regard since it refers to the movie's theme. The flashing transitions also contribute to this.