Title Research: Relic

Relic (2020)
from www.artofthetitle.com

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences?

Unlike the last three movies researched, the studio and mame does not come first, either because this film is independent or the studio was given their own opening before the title sequence. Relic’s opening shows only the titles of production companies, no writers, producers, or directors. After an acted out scene occurs, the title of the film itself is then shown last. Also different to the other films, here Relic has followed the exact title sequence formula I am meant to use in my final task, making this example very valuable in my research.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in this opening sequence are the names of the projection companies. They come first, all five of them each getting their own slide to be presented will slow fade-outs I’m between. Alternatively, you could also say the title is prioritized. It comes all the way last after a whole acted out scene, slowly fading in on a black screen accompanied by its own new sound, different to the background music that had been playing before throughout.

What connotations do these images carry?

The connotations of the mysterious pink orbs fading in and out of screen almost present as flesh to viewers. They come in and out, disappearing. The confusion of these scenes carry a mysterious and creepy tone. The acted scene segment of this sequence is extremely dark lit, being almost barely visible, adding a scary feeling. 

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

This film establishes its genre as a horror film with its use of practically every film element. First there are sounds, as in the name cards there is a sharp background music track. During the acted scene, there is a low ambient noise and the quiet diegetic noise of the subject and their surroundings. As for editing, shots are extremely dim, as to where viewers can hardly make out what is happening, creating a sense of anxiety and unknown of what may be lurking. Subjects are hardly illuminated, and shaft cutaways are used to move throughout the setting.

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

This film appeals to its target audience through all of its very traditional horror elements as listed previously in the last response. It also appeals to viewers by taking a break from the name listing, and giving viewers an acted out scene to establish little context. Audiences are left on edge by the abruptly ended scene, as the title fades in with a sharp screech, followed by a fast cut to a contrasting black screen. This bold sequence leaves audiences frightened as to what’s to follow.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles,

transitions and editing techniques.

Technology was used effectively in editing with the element of sound. Relic used sound very technically, as the background track can hardly be classified as music. It is a mixture of sharp sounds and ambient noise, perfectly being cut out and removed as the acted out sequence begins. These eerie noise are chopped back in as the title card appears. The film's use of sharp cutaways also emulates surprise and fear. There are no clean cuts, just sudden shot changes.