Thriller opening sequence

Trainspotting intro

The opening sequence introduces the protagonist with a still image of them and their names. The first scene is set in the daytime and the characters are wearing normal casual clothing. they are seen to be running from two men, who are wearing suits, which would connote that they are from an upper-class background. This would give the audience the idea that they have done something illegal.

Questions

Why were they running?

Why did the protagonist fall backward?

What did they steal?

Where are they running to?

The reason for an opening sequence is to set out the narrative of the story. Also, it gives the audience an idea of what it is about. 

conventions of an opening sequence 

Introduces characters

Introduces settings

Introduces themes

Actors 

Producers

Music

Establishing

Montage

Example of a film opening sequence - the opening of Furious 7 when the antagonist leaves a wrecked hospital after speaking to his crippled unconscious brother who is in a hospital bed. 

Reservoir dogs

The opening sequence introduces the protagonist of the film, along with the name of the actors. They are sitting around a table having a discussion which connotes that they work together. the scene gives a shot of who the characters are with a close-up. Their costumes connote that they are professional criminals and that they work swiftly. 

Se7en

Close-ups of someone working on a notebook. The effects are in black or white to show that it is in the past. This foreshadows the film narrative as it connotes that there will be some form of investigation into something mysterious to the audience at first.