What is the purpose of a opening sequence?

Opening sequences give the atmosphere and mood for a film setting up a theme for the film . The opening sequence gives an idea of how the film will progress to the viewer , often symbolism and elements that are used in the film are utilised in order to show a clear outline . These elements and symbolise ( if symbols are used ) can be imagery, themes, locations, and characters as well as patterns and colours . Colour, sound, and lighting  all set up the way  the viewers expectations will be built up and help determine the genre of the film.

What is the difference between opening credits and a title sequence?

Definition-
Opening credits :  A title sequence ( also called an opening game or intro ) is the method by                               which films or television programs present their title and key production                                 and cast members, utilising conceptual visuals and sound .

Title sequences  : A powerful expression of motion graphics. They are a prelude to the                                       movie. They engage the audience by hinting at what is about to start,                                     whether it's  a movie, TV show, or Web animation. One of the primary                                     functions of a title sequence is to set the tone of the movie you are                                       about to see. 

Title sequences come before the film that contain text, imagery, and sound, titles have grown into their own art form . Film imagery that contains montages and art to express theme and characters and over all plot, this sets the tone for the film . Animation can also be used to display ideas and themes through a fantasy style that can tell a miniature story or show symbolism . Opening credits also can and usually do utilise an artistic style to outline important actors and/or important notable people involved in the prediction of the film . The title sequence is focused only on introducing the film its self where opening clips focus on the introduction of the main characters and other important people who worked on the film .

What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

Techniques for opening sequences can utilise many artistic styles and forms that range from abstract symbolism to filmed shots. Many techniques are used to express themes and atmosphere for there film, such animation, typography, close ups, patterns, and  story telling clips.

animation : A cartoonist style can be used in the intro where the idea and characteristics of                     the character or the  media to set a theme for the film.

Typography : This is the use of words and stylised text in the opening sequence to give                              clues about the state of the films place of atmosphere through things like                                hints from words that appear on screen. News paper articles my give hints to                        what is happening in the story if they are utilised .  The types of fonts that are                        used and letter sizing may also express meaning in the film such as bold                                letters representing strength and thin small letters representing weakness.

Patterns : patterns are used to show symbolism of what my happen in the story such as the                  use of lines in Hitchcock's film "Phyco", the lines seem to obscure view and                            chase each other relentlessly throughout the opening sequence.  Patterns can                      move contain important imagery or reveal themes in the film.

A  modern Thriller and a Hitchcock film examples./Demonstrate how both films achieve the purpose of the Opening Sequence, and contrast their techniques.

James Bond Skyfall
https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/skyfall/

In Skyfall it starts with Bond falling into the water being dragged down by an unusual large hand representing how he is being dragged down deeper into the void by a force beyond his control. The water symbolises the pressure of his situation as though he cant take a breath. The earth literally seems to swallow him up in the opening sequence representing inevitable death, returning to the ground . broken targets of his body swarm around him starting to bleed from what can be assumed as gun shot, he still sinks deeper. The shot changes to a grave yard, another symbol of death with falling knifes representing the danger magnified by the large size of the weapons. the colour scheme starts of as cold and dark trans forming into blood red showing the theme of death and danger that will in sew Bond in the film. A close up of bonds face  zooming into his eye shows his seriousness and e motionlessness  in the face of death and danger. The symbolises a gate to his inner being which is displayed as a labyrinth or maze to the viewer where he seems lost unable to leave forced to fight his shadows. skulls and blood like liquid again push the theme of death and danger.

Vertigo

https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/vertigo/

The opening sequence starts out with a woman face and repetitive music creating tension as to alert the viewer of the danger that is contained within the film. the close up of the face  becomes an extreme close up of the woman mouth that shifts up to her eyes looking right into the camera, looking right at the viewer creating an airy atmosphere. Her eyes then shift from side to side as if she is looking for something, then the camera focuses on one eye as she opens it wider and the colours around her go to an ominous red that seems to signal danger from her reaction. the shot traditions from a pattern forming in her eye to only the pattern swirling on the screen other than words, the pattern gives the feeling of falling. The images become intransigent and dissing to the viewer almost putting them in a falling trans though visual hypnoses. the image runs full circle revealing the woman eye one again as the pattern retreats.