Title Analysis – Snatch

At the beginning of Snatch, the sequence is fast-paced, and we first gain a glimpse of the characters in the back of a van wearing (what seems to be) Jewish outfits which could be a disguise. This increases the suspense as the audience are left to appraise this enigmatic situation, and to anticipate what is going to follow up (Barthes – Enigma Code). A large diamond is then revealed to the audience, and this object could be of great prominence for the film. The diamond increases in size and the name of the film appears through the centre of this object. At this point, we are introduced to the main characters and their names through title scenes.

At the very start of the sequence, we hear subtle traditional Jewish music as it over-laps with the characters’ discussion. As the music is relatively slow, it casts a composed atmosphere to the scene. The titles commence with a frame of the title name,

then proceeds to introducing each main character by freezing on a static image of them using pop art alongside their names. Each scene climaxes the character, and gives us an impression

of them before the film has even begun. This fits in with the genre impeccably, as each character is perceived as a law-

rebelling citizen, giving the audience the impression that the narrative will be occupied with illegal procedures taking place. Alternatively to the music being played at the start, there is a

very sudden and unexpected change in music as the antagonists reveal themselves and their weapons (another key

convention of the genre). We move from near silence and dialogue, to an alarm-like piece of non-diegetic music being

played in the background. The expounded tempo and heavy beat may suggest panic, completely contrasting to the

atmosphere seen at the start. This is an example of Todorov’s Equilibrium being used, and this is significant as the pace of the

film now increases, and the audience grasp an understanding of the fraudulent narrative that is about to follow. The editing

of this sequence is smooth and the transition maintains its fluidity. Furthermore, editing methods such as cross dissolving

here helps make the process smoother, and alongside these action-packed title frames, a summary of the plot is expressed

effectively.