Dexter Opening Credits Analysis

The sequence is full of iconography and activities related to blood. This is done because the main character, Dexter, is closely related to blood. (E.g collecting victim's blood in slides/dismembering bodies) The first occurrence of this is the mosquito biting Dexter, and he mercilessly kills it. This instantly suggests that Dexter is a man without remorse. The name if the show is then show, splattered with blood. This again links Dexter to blood. He is then shown shaving, and cuts himself. The blood runs down his neck and drips onto the clean surface of the sink. Dexter immaculately wipes it away with a scrap of tissue. This represents the spilling of blood, and Dexter's skill of cleaning up. All of these shots correspond to the drawing of blood/the kill.

The sequence then begins to focus on the cutting up/disposing of the victims. This is effectively displayed in numerous ways, all linked to food. For example, a piece of pork is dissected, and egg is sliced, mixing with ketchup (Connoting blood) as it separates. A highly effective shot of an orange being sliced in two against a red background again connotes the dissecting of victims bodies, with the red again suggesting a presence of blood. The orange half is then squashed and comes apart with a 'squelch'. All of these shots are representative of the dissection of the bodies, providing vivid imagery which creates apprehension from a seemingly innocent activity.

Next images of flossing and laces being tied are shown. The taut string/ropes constrict the flow of blood, which represents Dexter being restricted - unable to reveal his true identity, which leaves him feeling trapped. He is then shown pulling a shirt over his head, slowly bringing his face into view for the first time. This connotes the hidden side of Dexter - throughout the imagery which represents his killings his face is never shown - this aspect of his personality is not known to others. The brief shot of Dexter locking the door infers that this part of his life is kept apart from the rest of the world. This knowledge helps the viewer emphasise with Dexter.

Shots are almost exclusively close-up. This not only makes the everyday activities seem more sinister, but also keeps the identity of Dexter hidden. The close-ups tend to focus on things related to death - the knife slicing the orange, the floss restricting blood flow and the blood splattering onto the sink etc.

Sound also plays an important role in creating the atmosphere - it contributes greatly to the sinister atmosphere within the sequence. The ominous horns kick in at significant moments, emphasising their importance. Sound effects are also key - they add more emphasis to moments such as the crushing of the orange.