The Andromeda Strain Title Analysation

 

The Andromeda Strain is a film written in 1971, with a particularly secretive and mysterious title opening. The title sequence makes up the body of the film opening, although many elements of this give hints as to how the film may develop, and at 2 minutes 53 seconds, the title sequence is quite long.

The sequence starts in an unusual way, with an acknowledgement message from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, stating that the story is being told accurately and in detail.  This indicates to the audience that what they are about to see is based on a real story, and that it is not simply made up. This then follows by a message informing that the audience that the release of this film does not harm national security, which again, adds a sense of mystery to the film.

The sequence then proceeds to show the titles overlaid on top of words such as ‘secret’ or ‘Index of Effectiveness’ going behind in the background. Each scene is framed so that the words or background are in one colour. This gives it the sense that it is very ordered and organised, in an almost military way. In the background, different objects are shown, often including mathematical instruments such as a protractor in shot 3 shown above, which again gives the impression of  precision and secrecy, and as though something is taking place in a forensic lab.

The background is black, with white text, which suggests danger and fear. When the background text is red, this represents danger, whilst the green background text represents safety, thus creating conflicting viewpoints.