Title Research: Glass

 

*opening sequences studied at artofthetitle.com* 

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

The title of the movie "Glass" is immediately displayed alongside shattered glass. The studio name and production company are displayed, followed M. Night Shyamalan's name who wrote, filmed, and produced the film, with the help of others. The leading and supporting actors' names are displayed after this, with the producers, writers and, directors following suit.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

A person who refers to themself as Patricia enters a room where three young women are held captive and offers the "PB&J"s. The presence of broken glass is a recurring element in the opening sequence. The titles themselves are animated to to resemble pieces of broken glass coming together. Also, a man "superman punches" another man carrying his groceries while, what can be assumed to be, his younger brother records him doing so. Later on that day, a hooded man enters their home and assaults the older brother, knocking him out. As this figure approaches the younger brother, the scene fades to black. 

What connotations do these images carry?

 The constant depiction of shattered glass, along with the name of the film, make one think that something is "broken" within this film. They make the audience sense that something that was once whole, is now split into pieces. There is such little information in relation to the apparently kidnapped girls, that there isn't much that can be deduced about their situation other than something is wrong. The masked man's actions make him seem like some sort of avenger or vigilante. The juxtaposition of these two events imply a 'Hero vs Villain' theme.

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? 

From the start of the film, there is conflict. There are multiple instances of external conflict. The kidnapped girls, as well as the forced entry of the vigilante, are two cases of this. There are also clear and deliberate suspense build ups, which is a common element in drama. Patricia walks into the room quite slowly before they deliver their line and it takes a while for the hooded intruder to make his appearance on camera.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Mature themes such as kidnap and violence are displayed quite early. The older brother's usage of mature language after assaulting the innocent bystander also make it clear the film is targeting adults and young adults.

How has technology been used effectively? 

Camera shots were used extremely effectively in this opening sequence. The low and high angle were used extensively, alongside the over the shoulder shot. The low and high angle are used on Patricia and the captive girls, respectively; this is done to portray the captor as powerful, and the captives as weak. The over the shoulder shot is used as the security guard, who most would presume to be the hooded person, enters the store, it is used as the two brothers run from the store owner chasing them, and it is used while the younger brother watches the film that he captured earlier that day.