Title Research: The Dark Knight Rises

Title Research: Crime Genre

   I am researching the movie "The Dark Knight Rises". I got this movie off of www.watchthetitles.com.

   1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
There are 26 titles displayed during the opening sequences to the film.

   2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
The images of newspaper articles and ice are prioritized in the opening sequence. The ending also prioritizes Batman's mask in the ice.

   3. What connotations do the images carry?
The images carry connotations of mystery and a hidden meaning. The mystery comes from the newspaper articles, all relating to Gotham City and Batman. Then the hidden meaning comes from the ice, does the ice represent the time of year? Does the ice represent something important that will happen later in the movie? All these images carry connotations of some kind.

   4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset because of the dark and mysterious theme to it. The Crime genre typically has a symbolism, and the newspaper articles and ice happen to be a few of the many different kinds. Even the Batman mask serves as a symbol for the Batman movies, which are also Crime films. The editing and the lighting as well serve as technical codes affiliated with the Crime genre. The genre is reinforced through these symbolic and technical codes from the outset.

   5. How does this film establish an enigma from the outset?
The film establishes an enigma from the outset because of the way there is no context other than ice, the newspaper articles, and Batman symbols. We do not know who the man/woman moving the newspaper articles and manipulating them are. The question of why is this person looking at newspaper articles about Gotham City and Batman are all mysterious. The lack of information establishes an enigma from the outset. Also the lack of light as well establishes as enigma from the outset since we do not know the purpose behind it.

   6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the fast paced editing transitions. This makes it harder for the viewers to understand what the newspapers have to say and brings a feeling of action. They also make sure to hint at Batman enough to make the target want to watch this Batman movie. Also the music and sound effects such as the breathing of supposedly Batman gives the audience an anxious feeling. These are all strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience.

   7. How has technology been used effectively?
Technology has been used effectively and for example through the camera angles. There are multiple camera angles on certain words or things such as a title. Then the transitions cut from one angle to another in a fast action. This also helps the fast paced action the movie brings. The editing for the lighting and the sound effects are used effectively since it continues the dark and mysterious theme to it. This shows how technology has been used effectively.