Title Research: Crimson Peak

 1. What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

The titles displayed in the sequence were directed by, written by, produced by, executive producer, director of photography, production designer, film editor, costume designer, music by, sound designer, visual effects supervisor, casting by, the lead actresses and actors' names, name of production company and studio, and “A Guillermo Del Toro Film”. 

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

Moths, old painting with ornate frames, old photographs, a red ring, a decorative tea kettle and cup set, desks with calligraphy pens and blueprint like paper, a desk of a doctor, and an old Victorian-like house. An interesting image that is shown appeared when a female actresses name came up and a blue butterfly was shown instead of a moth. This could represent an important distinction between a character of plot point. Several of these objects play an important role in the movie, whether it be something to set the scenery or show various plot twists.  

3. What connotations do these images carry? 

Creepy, secretive, aristocratic, ancestral curse, and sinister. Just based off of the images one could infer that the movie is based around a sinister secret that an old-money family holds. The constant image of moths, more than anything else, can show its higher importance and make the audience watch put for it. 

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

Crimson Peak is a horror-romance, and it is transparent that the designer of the title cards wanted it to emote more of a horror, mystery mood and less of a lighthearted, romance mood. However, based on the ring being emphasized and the aristocratic time passer of courtship, one can infer that there is a love story taking place if they took the time to think. The butterfly, sewing pins, and tea set shown emote more of a traditionally feminine feel. This can be used to deduct that there is a strong female presents in this movie and the plot, and therefore a love story. One can also use historic knowledge of the Victorian era/ American dark romanticism and their love for being able to feel emotions and cynicism of human nature. The title cards and the images and dark settings that it shows directly corresponds with the mood of the time period it takes place in. Overall, while the film mostly gives off an eerie and mysterious vibe, clever placements of props and images revel to us the romantic or love story feel behind it. 

5. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Part of the target audience would be lovers of Guillermo Del Toro’s former films, which typically include strange plots with strange visuals. This appeal is ensured by the mysterious and aesthetic props and moods of the opening credits. Lovers of gothic romances will also see the aristocratic, romantic, and feminine feel of the title cards and their images.  

6. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles,  
transitions and editing techniques. 

The title cards have very smooth transitions done beautifully by editing. All the shots are real life images of props and scenery but are edited to look like they are painted or fake. The changes in lighting via filters are what give of the mysterious vibes of the movie but also give the images a dreamy like mood, tying in that romantic mood as well. The only things edited are the moths and house at the end (since it doesn’t exist). The camera also sometimes did a rotating movement to show emphasis on certain objects which put more meaning to the visuals and plot. The title cards aren’t just to show the credits, but to foreshadow the events of the film. The editing, objects, images, and camera positioning all put meaning to this.