LO O K I N G AT C O D E S O F C O N V E N T I O N S A N D D I F F E R E N C E S B E T W E E N T H E O P E N I N G T I T L E O F T H E M OV I E S : C A D I L L A C R E C O R D S , M A D E O F S T O N E & I ' M

N O T T H E R E .

Biopic: analysis of titles

Cadillac Records

• First thing that comes on screen are the studios that created the film in collaboration with one another, this suggests to us that the film was a joint effort and gives credit to where it is due. This tells the audience (those that are familiar with films from either companies) what style the film will be from prior experience. This allows the audience to know what to expect to some degree.

• The next thing that is shown is the directors name. this further shows the audience (those with a knowledge of other films directed by Darnell Martin) of what type of style to expect, and can either cause positive or negative expectations. (Martin’s other films include: Prison song & the lost valentine)

• The next shot displays the Main actors names (in order of appearance) on top of a record player. This shot sets the tone for the movie (the movie being about a record label and its owner) and also plays the song on the record (little Walter-my babe) to further add atmosphere, complementing the following montage of footage of the 50’s lifestyle (Cadillac's, musicians, dancing)setting the tone for the rest of the movie.

I’m Not There

• Simplistic title sequence/style+ font sets tone for the film, as it portrays its simplicity and artistic style. Sequence goes on to name the other companies working in liaison with The Weinstein Company and the director (Todd Haynes), giving recognition and credit where its due.

• Employs first person perspective shot of Bob Dylan walking through the backstage of one of his concerts, continuous shot of different people greeting him as he walks with nods and smiles, occasionally pointing him in directions, names of actors (in order of appearance) appear in plain, simplistic white text. entire scene is in black and white. Shot sets tone for film as being simplistic and artistic.

• After the previous scene climaxes in the lights of cameras and flood-lights of the stage filling the screen with white, hard cut to more black and white shots of the American countryside, with Bob Dylan by himself on a motorbike, cut to wide shot, words slowly flicker onto the screen and change between black and white until finally resting on the title.

Made of Stone

• Wide shot of lead singer walking past a crowd at concert in slow motion, lighting is low key with flashes of red and white light causing lens flare, with voice-over talking about happiness in a sinister voice (Alfred Hitchcock) sets tone by immediately showing you who the film is about (stone roses)

• Hard cut to black screen with simplistic white text, showing the production company names (Film4) which gives the audience an idea of what to expect (Film4 having good track record of films) this simplistic style shows the audience that it is down to earth and factual, and without unnecessary flamboyance.

• Goes on to portray a montage of different pictures and footage of the band doing different activities, gradually progressing from their beginning to their break up, and this further reinforces the topic of the film. The montage portrays their journey and their personality as a group.