Film Opening Research #1 - Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

The production studio is displayed first. “DreamWorks” is a famous company therefore many would recognize the studio and something important to note is that Steven Spielberg’s name is displayed three times during the duration of the title sequence. Spielberg is a well-known director, even described as the best director of all time for his success on executing massively popular films. The film’s actual title would come midway through the title sequence followed by a 2D drawing animation that displayed the actors’ names.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

A man in a fedora, glasses, and a business suit was prominent in the opening sequence as well as another black/white individual that seemed to be running away from the man with the fedora.

What connotations do the images carry?

The drawn characters are most likely a reference to the main characters of the film, Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, respectively. It clearly shows that this film is a cat and mouse chase between a detective and a fugitive on the run.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The musical score used during the opening sequence is a clear indicator of the drama/crime genre that will occupy this film. The opening sequence is even a reminder of the pink panther franchise which involves itself in the same genre.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The enigma formed from the beginning of the film is who or what the 2D drawings represent in the film and whether the animation applies to the actual events pertaining to the plot.

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

It applies detective music that is jazzy in nature and provides a suspenseful outlook towards the theme of the movie.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.

As opposed to using live action in the title sequence, the director decides to instead use 2D animation of a detective figure to represent the ideals of the film.