Title Design Research: The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker - Blades of Chaos

Hello again! Today I’ll be wrapping up the research with the opening sequence analysis of The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (2023) that I got off Netflix. 

What titles are displayed during the opening sequence?

In the opening sequence the order of display included executive producers, original music, director of photography, editor, producer, writer/director, and the title of the film in that specific order. The titles had the same blocky, capitalized font. The title would be in a smaller version of this font and the name of that respective title would be larger. The color of the font was a range of vibrant blues, greens, and yellows based on what best matched the color design of the shot. The titles were apparent but could be easily regarded since they matched the overall color theme. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in the opening sequence of this film help introduce the main character by building suspense. It starts with a B-roll of a potent orange sunset or sunrise at some train tracks and nearby roads as some voiceovers discussing relevant events plays. Then a graphically designed YouTube page plays a video of the main characters, Kai. A static shot of a house follows. Which then cuts to a guy who is not Kai but has been narrating thus far getting ready via close-ups for an interview. As expected, an interview-style composition is shown. Here is when the man starts discussing Kai and the voiceover changes to dialogue. Quickly the title of the film is cut to. 

 

What connotations do these images carry? 

These images don’t carry significant connotations, instead they act as a way to introduce Kai and contextualize his story. They are all vital in understanding and setting up the plot. They create suspense and heighten a sense of mystery to entice the audience to keep viewing. 

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset?

The film establishes a mystic aura. Naturally, questions arise about Kai given the limited context. This serves as a catalyst for viewers to keep their engagement. The crime part of this documentary is hinted towards by the narrator who shadows an unpredictable turn of events. It’s important to note that this opening sequence is 1-2 minutes long, falling short of the typical sequence duration. Despite this factor, when watching the film the shortened time isn’t as apparent as in the previous opening sequence. This film flows together well which is an ode to mastery editing. 

 

Though this analysis is on the shorter side it doesn’t retract from its effectiveness as a skillfully created opening sequence. In fact I find this to be the opening sequence I plan on emulating in my Final Task. But, time will tell how that endeavor goes!