What is the point of having the same sequence at the beginning of each episode ? For us, who have seen so many, we don't need a brief introduction to the cast, we don't learn anything more,... So what's the point ?
- The main goal for an opening sequence would be to introduce the cast to first viewers. Ok. But once I've seen a couple episodes, I want to get to it, get to the story.
- In my opinion, the main titles are a sort of rallying point for all the people who are familiar with the show. It sets the mood : "the next twenty minutes or so are for you, for fun, for laughs".
- The repetition of the sequence in each episode is essential to hammer the theme song in the viewers head. You keep it in mind and it gets stuck there. The goal is to have you want to watch an episode every time you hear someone humming the theme song for example.
- It also sets the fictional boundaries of the show : "What you are about to see is not real".
Each Sitcom has its own opening and each opening has its own reason and goal.
Examples :
The Simpsons
One of the longest openings ever. It gives us a small segment on each character setting the structure of the family. So it is an introductory opening. Also, it has a little bonus with the lines Bart is copying in then beginning and the "couch gag" at the end.
That 70's Show
Not really introductory, although it does show each character several times. They are all in the same setting, the Vista Cruiser, singing "We're All Alright" which was actually the originally name of the show. This opening represents the Rules of Unity we already discussed : same place (the car), same action (driving around), same time (the duration of the song).
Friends
This opening has different clips of past episodes cut with the characters playing in a fountain and "explains" why the show is called "Friends" by showing us all the characters interacting but mostly hugging and being, as it were, friends.
Modern Family
A minimalist opening showing each "part" of the family separately and using a clever transition representing a portrait. This is very well done because it sets the basic structure of each episode : one plot-line per family "part" giving a sort of painting of this "Modern Family".
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TRJ
There is a third variable element in the Simpsons opening sequence : the riff that Lisa blurts out on her saxophone is not always the same!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right! I forgot that.
ReplyDeleteThank you
'Grounded for Life' was another one whose opening was different each time. The frantically catchy theme song subtly ended with different guitar riffs/effects.
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