Title Research: Fight Club

 Hi There!

I was able to research a multitude of title sequences such as the one in my last blog on Se7en! This one is also a thriller, titled Fight Club (1999). 

What titles are displayed during the opening sequence?

    The titles displayed go in this order; the studios' name (Fox 2000 Pictures and Regency Enterprises) and then the production company (Linson Films). Then, it follows with the director's name (David Fincher). Next, it includes the actors (Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, etc). Immediately, it switches to the title of the movie (Fight Club) before continuing to the casting director (Laray Mayfield), costume designer (Michaell Kaplan), sound designer (Ren Klyce), editor (James Haygood), Production Designer (Alex McJowell), director of photography (Jeff Croneweth), the executive producer(Arnon Milchan), the original author (Chuck Palahniuk) the screenwriter (Jim Ohls), the producers (Art Linson, Sean Chaffin, Ross Grayson Bell), and the director (David Fincher).

- What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 
    The images prioritized are considerably strange given that it is following a series of scans inside a person's head. We follow the scans, moving through the brain from the fear cortex to existing the skin landing on the sights of Smith and Wesson pointed at a person's mouth. This introduces an immediate cause-and-effect relationship with a strong insinuation of the connection between brain chemistry and fear. 


- What connotations do these images carry?
    Showing the path from the fear cortex within the brain establishes that violence established in the film is as trivial as violence is usually shown. Instead, it has a tangible emotional weight inside of us. While it is not as suspenseful or dark as some other films, it introduces a theme of mystery and surprise that entices the audience. 

- How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?
 The non-diegetic sound and lighting perfectly portray the genre. The electric music excites the audience and introduces action while keeping upbeat suspense before cutting off at the end, leaving the audience reeling. The dark lighting utilized puts a shadow over the entire scene giving the audience a sense of fear of what is not seen and giving the negative connotation of something wrong from the onset. 

- What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 
        This movie is targeted toward those who appreciate a generous mix of action and suspense. By giving them a strange interaction between brain chemicals and fear response, this title sequence appeals to a suspenseful audience. You really do not know what to expect until suddenly you are looking at a close-up of a gun. Most will be intrigued by the dark lighting and seemingly inconspicuous but mysterious opening.

- How has technology been used effectively? Do you want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques?
        One of my favorite things about this title sequence is the editing techniques. The quick cuts but smooth cuts entice the audience but leave an odd air of mystery as they grapple with what images they are looking at in the scene. The graceful pans and lack of context are the sequences' greatest assets. 

Thank you! 



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