Coffee is for Openers

I tend to have an obsessive personality. I get an idea in my head and it sticks with me for a while. My latest obsession is the opening sequences of movies. Opening sequences set the movie. They let you know what you can expect. They assure you that you’re money and time are well spent. The really good ones are memorable, the truly great ones become iconic.

I’ve seen a lot of people talk about title sequences lately. Websites like Art of the Title are bringing to mind how the title sequence is an art form that can contribute to the film style and the story. That’s not what I’m talking about in this case. The opening sequence is a lot like the opening line of a piece of writing.

Here are a few of my favorites that have come to mind lately. I included the scenes, or clips where possible. 

Drive, 2011: Drive got me started on this obsession. It’s a great establishing scene of The Driver character. It’s car chase, but not the kind you expect and the way the character handles himself in these first few minutes tells us a lot about the kind of man he is.

Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981: This has to be one of the most iconic opening sequences in movie history. When most people think of Indiana Jones, they think of him switching the bag for the idol, the boulder that rolls after him, all the tribesmen that chase him to the plane. It's a little slow to start, but picks up as soon as he cracks the whip for the first time, I'm in. (Couldn't find the scene, so here's the trailer.)

Apocalypse Now, 1979: With the shots of the jungle, overlapped with Martin Sheen, all done to The Doors’ “The End,” it perfectly captures the tone of the film and the mindset of Sheen’s character when he find him. When I think of Sheen’s wonderful performance in Apocalypse, I think of this opening. “Saigon... shit; I'm still only in Saigon...” 

Apocalypse Now Opening Sequence from Mike O on Vimeo.

There Will Be Blood, 2007: This is fantastic storytelling right here. Like any good opening, it gives us a perfect image of the main character. It's a little long at 13 minutes, but afterwards, we know who Daniel Plainview is. We see his dedication to what matters most to him – wealth – and it’s all done with anyone uttering a word.

There Will be Blood Opening from Media Clips on Vimeo.

Inglourious Basterds, 2009: I love this opening sequence. Overall, I think Tarantino has the best track record for great opening sequences, but this one is above the rest. The camera movement is phenomenal and highlights the wonderful performances of the actors. Next time you watch it, look for how the camera moves around the characters and builds the tension. It’s the longest on this list at 20 minutes and probably shouldn't be considered a "sequence," but does a perfect job of grabbing the viewers attention. (Plus, I made the list so nothing can be wrong.)

Inglourious Basterds from One Scene on Vimeo.