The structure of thriller openings

We analysed some examples of thriller openings that make up four different structures that tend to be used. The four different structures are:

1) Film opening analysed: Arlington Drive
Structure type: Discrete title sequence
Conventions followed: 

• Different random shots including establishing shots with credits

2) Film opening analysed: Panic Room
Structure type: Tradition film opening with titles running throughout the sequence
Conventions followed:

• Traditional title sequence running throughout with birds eye view of establishing shots. 
• Brief introduction to the main characters.

3) Film opening analysed: Dead Calm

Structure type: Credits over a blank screen followed by the film's opening

Conventions followed:

• Title and credits on a black canvas
• Score of sound before any images to set the tone
• Emphasis on title
• Fade in shots

4) Film opening analysed: Mezrine

Structure type:  Stylised editing

Conventions followed:

• Loads of editing on the title with black canvas
• Shows editing skills by displaying black canvas with two small split screens picturing the same scene from different angles at different times.