Homework 7 (DYM): Title Sequence Sound Analysis

I have chosen to analyse the sound in the title sequence for Blue Valentine. http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/blue-valentine/

Music:

• The backing track for the title sequence is very mellow and acoustic (easy to listen to) and clearly conveys the genre of the film; romance.
• At the start of the sequence, before the images arrive on the screen, the music wavers and you are uncertain of what genre of music it is and what genre the film is - this could suggest that there are some other, under-lying themes in the film, except for the prominent theme of romance
• When the images of Ryan Gosling lifting Michelle Williams are shown in the sequence, the music crescendoes and becomes more momentous and celebratory.
• A montage of shots of the couple embracing and kissing is accompanied by the lyrics "this is love", again highlighting the theme of romance
• Nearing the end of the sequence, the images become duller and rain-covered, and the accompanying music becomes slightly more minor and serious, suggesting that all doesn't run smoothly in this film.

Sound effects:

• The main sound effect in the sequence is fireworks, which accompanies the firework images in the sequence.
• The firework sound effects also come in with the images when Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams are together and happy - again, giving a sense of the momentous occasion and romance
• Cheering, although definitely in the background, is also heard throughout the sequence, again emphasising the celebratory and joyous theme

Overall, both the images and sound (the music and sound effects, which are both non-diegetic) create a very magical title sequence with a prevalent theme of romance. The uncertain beginning, the sudden change in music nearing the end and the duller images, however, suggest that the narrative doesn't run as smoothly as we'd hope in the film; perhaps there are other themes such as tragedy. In my opinion, an effective title sequence is one that clearly outlines the genre and basic narrative of the film, without giving too much away. The Blue Valentine title sequence successfully portrays the film as a romance, whilst still creating some enigma about what will happen.