Structure of opening of Thriller films

There are three basic structures when you notice film openings these are:

• A narrative opening with the titles running thoughout

e.g. The Stepfather & The Shinning

• A discrete title sequence

e.g. Arlington road & Seven

• Titles over a blank screen, followed by the narrative opening

e.g. Donnie Darko & Mezrine

• Stylized editing

e.g. Taking of Pelham 123