Credit Analysis in Thrillers

The credits at the beginning of a thriller film often include non-diegetic music to set the scene and create an atmosphere for the audience. This score is often orchestral and dramatic-creating the suspense of the film- or alternative/rock music. Its also fairly common for some thrillers to play part of the film within the first five minutes and then play the credits. This allows the audience to see the major event that started the whole film off. For example, the James Bond films often start of with on opening sequence and then is well known for its opening credits after that seen. In Skyfall, James Bond is shot at and then falls in the water, from then the credits begin with Adele's theme tune song starting bringing it in.

Memento's credit opening includes just one scene but it's playing in reverse so that the picture fades out instead of fading in. Over the top of the first shot, orchestral music is playing to create tension in the audience.