Space Man; Credit sequence analysis

 Space Man (Opening credits)

Space Man, probably one of the most underrated space movies ever made, and maybe even one of the best underrated movies over all. 

This movie has a very simple credit sequence: following the main character, portrayed by Adam Sandler, as he wakes up from his dream, or memory, as he goes about his daily yet lonely routine. This is possibly the most common credit sequence done for most films, except for simple credits appearing in a black background.

This movie also sets the loneliness and depression the main character feels with the quiet ambience and almost contemplative atmosphere. The introduction is also very ominous, especially when the protagonist begins his day while a non-diegetic sound of a hum can be heard never ending. There is also a little homage to 2001 A Space Odyssey, when the protagonist was in his dream and in the background is non-diegetic audio of a low rising choir, like the one seen in 2001 whenever the monolith appeared. 

This introduction does a great job at showcasing the seriousness and blankness of the movies tone. This movie does not have a massive plot like 2001 or Interstellar. It is just a film about a lonely man going through period of sadness, and nothing more is needed to exemplify that.

The intro also plays with contrasting colors. The main character is first seen in a blue space suit walking in a bright green forest, likely representing tranquility and the want to go back home. Then it cuts to the protagonist waking up, shadowed in low dimmed orange light, likely representing reality or the grim emptiness that the character is confined in. Blue and orange are complementary colors, opposites used to further contrast dreams vs reality. It is also ironic how blue if often associated with the cold, yet it is shown in a warm sunny environment. While orange is often associated with warmth, yet is shown in the cold stasis of the space craft. I am not sure what the red light means, appearing when the main character gets out of his sleeping chamber, but I think it means the protagonist is coming back to his physical realm since red if often associated with flesh and blood, awakening and recovering from his dream state.

I love the play of colors and lighting here. Colors is such an easy yet effective way of making the audience feel a specific way. I'll especially like to use complementary colors since it helps give a lot of depth and contrast to the themes and ideas of a film.