Title Research: Good Will Hunting

Found on Art of the Title 

 What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

The first titles in the film are for the production company. These titles are followed by a credit for Gus Van Sant, who is credited twice in the title sequence. Three of the main actors are credited before the title of the main film appears. After the title of the film fades out, the rest of the film's cast is credited. The production team is credited last, with the credits including jobs like Casting, Costume Design, Music, Editor, Production Designer, and director of photography. After this, the producers, writers, and director are credited. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

In the opening sequence, we see math problems and books underneath a kaleidoscope effect. We also see a character's face underneath the effect. For the latter portion of the opening, we see the run-down neighborhood. At the very end of the intro, we see an aerial view of a nicer part of the city. 

What connotations do these images carry?

The connotation of the books and the math is intelligence, which makes sense considering the main character in the film is a math prodigy, however, the kaleidoscope effect makes it harder to see and far more confusing, demonstrating how the protagonist's situation, makes it harder to pursue his talents. The dingy and rundown setting he is in shows the audience exactly why he cannot pursue math. The final glimmer of the nicer part of Boston shows us what the protagonist could achieve if he had been in a different situation, or was given the right opportunities. 

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

From its sweeping score to the juxtaposition between locations the film makes it clear right away that it is a drama. Additional the muted brown color of the more artistic portion of the introduction shows the realism of the film to come, a staple of dramas.

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

In order to ensure that the film appeals to its target audience, young adults, the film had to remain relatable to them and easy for them to understand. Because of this, we see the inclusion of the friend picking up the protagonist, which may be relatable to the audience. The film makes it clear to the audience early on that the protagonist is good at math by showing him solving complex math problems.  

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

In this opening a majority of the time is taken up by an extreme closeup of various math problems, books, and one person's face, dissolving in and out underneath a kaleidoscope effect. The use of the camera and editing helps establish an odd and complicated, yet beautiful tone. This changes abruptly when the kaleidoscope effect is removed and we are left with nothing but the location around the main character. The quick cuts and medium, long and wide shots, make the scene feel more dismal, even if the world of the film is now clearer.