Title Sequence Review: Hard Candy
07/10/2009I chose to look at the title sequence for Hard Candy, directed by David Slade with Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page. These opening credits are particularly interesting because without knowing what the movie is about, a viewer would never be able to decipher it from this sequence. Unlike Catch Me if You Can, Hard Candy’s title sequence gives away absolutely nothing of the movie. However, after someone has seen the movie they might make the connection of the main character, Haley, who wears a red sweatshirt, as the red square who is searching for something, hence the red square discovering cast and crew names within and behind other things. Otherwise, the sequence is perfect for the film because of how simple it is. I first watched the film without knowing anything about the plot and made my friends do the same because I realized that, taking lead from the sequence, the best way to watch this movie is to be oblivious to its plot. The movie is a psychological thriller, which can definitely be understood from the gentle but creepy music. About the sequence, designer Nic Benns said, “It’s a really peaceful sequence, which is good, because an hour later there are people fainting and walking out of the cinema due to the intense psychological terror.”
Having not seen the film myself, I was confused by this title sequence when I first saw it. Because of its simplicity, I wasn’t sure if it had any relevance at all, and though I thought some of the visual effects were interesting, I was disappointed by the lack of meaning. Upon reading your explanation (which was particularly insightful!), however, I appreciate and understand the concept better. I also agree that the eerie music is well selected for the film’s genre. Overall, this opening sequence leaves most to the imagination, but in this case, as you pointed out, that may just be a good thing.