Conventions of film openings

From viewing the clips of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960) and Danny Boyle's "Trainspotting" (1996) what conventions did you notice in both clips?


The conventions of a film are the several techniques used within the opening of a film. Its what the audience expects to see in order for them to understand the film properly. 

In the opening of a film it is compulsory to present the production logo or the distribution company logo that has helped to produce or distribute the film. Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" has been produced by 'Paramount' this is informed to the audience by the production logo of 'Paramount' displayed right at the beginning of the film.

In the film "Psycho" by Alfred Hitchcock's transitions were used to display the title sequence and the credits. The names were fragmented to suggest a sense of suspense which will be created in the film. The names then joint perfectly which suggested that the story will be hard to understand as it will play with your minds but gradually at the end it will make sense.

The opening sequence also established the genre of the film - psychological thriller as non-diegetic theme tune was accompanied in the background to create an eerie atmosphere.

The conventions of a film opening also contain introduction to the key characters in order to inform the audience what actors will be starring in the film. In the film "Trainspotting" by Danny Boyle's (1996) he introduced to the key characters in a slightly interesting way as he introduced them by their character's name they are playing in the film. Additionally, a freeze shot was portrayed every time a key character was introduced to suggest the importance of them and to engage the audience in the film.

Another convention of a film opening is establishing the film's location this can be accompanied by a narrative hook to engage the audience in the film and to establish a tint of storyline. For example, in the opening scene of the film "Trainspotting" we see 'Renton' (One of the main character) being chased by a group of people on a road. This can suggest that the film is based on gang crimes. 

Moreover, the opening scene of the film "Trainspotting" has been established in a fast pace with a narrative hook about 'life and the decisions to chose in life' this signifies that the film is about youth crime. The narrative of the film is shown in the video below:

To conclude, the conventions of a film opening are credits, the title sequence, the production logo/ the distribution logo, the genre that is established, the location/setting that has been portrayed, the introduction to key characters, and a narrative hook.