Dexter Opening Sequence Analysis

The title's writing is in a big, bold and red font, possibly representing blood and death. It shows us the character's name in this font, implying what the character is like and that he is central in the TV show. The specific type phase is known for horror and violence, conveying the show's genre. The water marks smudging blood could represent the substance trying to be washed away.

This shot shows an area that is dangerous to hold a blade near, as the neck could be easily cut. There are sound effects of the blade scraping up his neck, adding to the effectiveness of the sequence. When he does cut himself, he doesn't react, implying that blood is a normal aspect of his life. He is cautious, but if someone else were in his situation he would act differently. His hand is also in a gripping position, as if to portray a strangling notion.

 

The motif of blood is exaggerated in this shot, soaking into the material slowly and spreading rapidly. This blood eventually fills the screen, with the sound intensifying as the blood soaks, emphasising the suspense during the shot. This is increased by the disturbing music, yet creepily jolly, making the sequence have a more up-beat feel.

Ordinary food is expressed in a sickening way, being sliced lie flesh. The normality of this compares to the normality of killing someone by one quick slice. Ripping apart the egg with a knife and fork, along with the ketchup splashed on top of it, representing blood, is assisted by the sound of the knife scraping the plate. This creates an uncomfortable series of images and sounds for the viewer that adds to the gruesomeness of the sequence.

 

Even though he's making breakfast, it's done in a vigorous and angry way. The open fruit oozes with a red interior, fleshy and bloody, split open and squeezed. A body could be interpreted by the food, mashed up and pouring the entrails out. By what is being shown in the shot, it could be portrayed that he is practicing for his next victim, all of which is familiar to him.

The wrapping of the string around his fingers shows he's in control, and a possible situation that he's been in before. It is being carefully entwined around his fingers, and cutting off the circulation, suffocating his victims. This is something you do in the morning, and what he does in the morning, yet he thinks of it differently. His slow movements show he is taking his time, and he's precise and experienced with his hands.