Different Types of Film Openings

Voice Over/Narrative Opening; When a narrator tells the story to the audience, whilst showing the imagery. Sometimes it opens at the end of the story which is called a non-linear narrative.
 
Montage Opening; Is a Multi layering, sometimes in rapid imagery and Multi-layered editing. Using superimposition and dissolving layered imagery the background tells the plot. ‘Seven’ is good example of a montage opening.

Music and Titles; Is the classic and cheapest film opening yet the most boring. A good example of a classic Music and Titles opening is ‘Cypher’.

Collage Opening; A Collage Opening is a more elegant opening which involves slowly dissolving layered imagery. The layers of pictures in the background accompanied sometimes by titles tell the plot of the film.

Title Overlay Opening; A Title Overlay Opening is an overlay of establishing shots, establishing where the film is set and where the plot will unfold. A title overlay opening is always a good opening in which to use good music accompanied by titles.

Rapid Imagery; Tells the plot of the story in 2 minutes. Its mostly targeted at the youth audience and contains things like: Fast paced music, Fast paced editing and Multi-Layering.

Animated Opening; An Animated Opening can be accompanied by a voice over in such films as ‘Lady in the Water’ to introduce the plot of the film.

Direct Address to Camera; The direct to camera can also be shown in a Flashback – The main protagonist or antagonist reminds you of what happened in the last film, or what is going to happen in this film for example a Character may open with a flashback and tell us how she/he is out for revenge.