So, how do you interpret Dexter’s title sequence.
Unique and interesting as it is, what is the purpose of this particular title sequence?
Great writers always have a purpose for everything that they do.
Lt. Aldo Raine was written as having the neck scar for a purpose and Soshana and Marcel are written to use films instead of explosives for a purpose. But that’s Tarantino, you don’t expect anything less from him.
Seeing all the seasons and the consistency with which the writers of ‘Dexter’ have maintained intrigue and ambivalence towards Dexter, we must admit that the writing is truly exceptional. So, the title sequence must serve a purpose! What is it?
Bloggers, much better than me, have written some brilliant analyses:
http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/dexter/
http://prialienated.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/dexter-tv-series-opening-title-sequence-a-close-reading/
Before reading these analyses, I had this idea.
There are two possible explanations of the title:
1. The title sequence is the way Dexter sees the world around him. The minute details are second nature to him. The slow motion used also reveals his vulnerability. He’s always vigilant, always on the look-out. Vigilance is what normal means to him.
Also, notice the small bits of violence in the everyday actions. Shaving, cutting a fruit, et al.
2. Like I mentioned in the previous line, the sequence shows that violence exists in small forms in every activity that we do. You just don’t notice it. Only difference you and Dexter is that his life consists of noticing all these small forms of violence. So, the kind of violence that he perpetrates is just a more perceivable kind. Maybe we ought to pity Dexter. Okay, this does not sound to be such a plausible explanation, but I hope you get the gist. What I want to say, is that the purpose of the sequence is to maintain ambivalence in the audience’s mind about Dexter.
You can always read the link that I shared above, these offer much better and well articulated explanations.
So, what’s your interpretation?
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