How
many times have you watched the X-Files? Hundreds or thousands of times?
Or maybe you've lost count. No matter how many episodes you watched or
how many times, who could forget the title credits at the beginning of
each episode? For the first seven seasons of the show (excluding the
Pilot episode), the same sequence of images accompanied by the X-Files
theme music took us into the world of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully each
week. Fans of the show have watched the opening numerous times, yet how
many of us really take a moment to stop and think about the images?
Unlike the themes of other recent shows, the X-Files don't draw from a
number of key scenes between the main characters, possibly because many
of episodes were not filmed when the credits were created. Instead, the
opening credits piece together like a puzzle of the mysterious and
unusual. Although we may identify a few of the images that flash before
us, it's doubtful that someone will pick up and fully comprehend all of
them. Much like the show itself, the glimpses of the things shown don't
give us all the answers, nor will all be revealed to those watching the
episodes. Instead, the truth is revealed gradually, and sometimes even
that requires multiple viewings to understand the fine details.
To guide other fans and perhaps to gain some personal insight, I'm going
to give my best attempt to decipher the images. For the sake of this
discussion, I'm only going to focus on the original opening credits
which were changed for the later seasons. I may revisit the newer
credits at a later time. As I've mentioned, there are no definitive
answers, so please feel free to join in the discussion if you have
another perspective.
The
credits begin with the X-Files logo and the first few notes of Mark
Snow's theme for the show. It shows us right up front with the colors of
black and grey, indicating this show is not going to be flashy. In
terms of casting, this is particularly true. Consider the guest stars in
each episode. Most of them could be people you see in your neighborhood
or at the local store. In the world of Hollywood where beauty and
perfection seem to reign supreme, shows are often filled with flawless,
perfect-looking actors, but you won't find that in the X-Files. Chris
Carter set the tone for this early on. While Fox wanted an over-the-top
beautiful woman such as Pamela Anderson in the leading role as Scully,
Carter pushed for another Anderson, Gillian Anderson. Not that Gillian
wasn't beautiful, but considering her looks for the first season in
particular, we see she is much more the girl-next-door, educated and
sharp Clarice Starling-type Carter was looking for in this role. Had the
Baywatch beauty been cast in the role, there is much doubt we would
still be discussing this show today, but I digress...
Casting was perhaps not the only thing that wasn't flashy about the show
either. The same might be said about the production as a whole. Now, I
realize as popularity for the show grew in the later seasons, so did the
budget. We do see more stunts, explosions, and flash once that
happened, but the credits were created at a time when the show was in
it's infancy. The first season was filled with investigations in the
Vancouver woods, with simple sets in office buildings, hospitals, or
regular homes. Even the special effects we see in the first season are
rather low-tech. This title slides sets up what is to come quite well.
We
next see photo of a person pointing at an unknown craft in the
distance. If you look quickly, you'll see writing on the bottom
right-hand corner of this image prior to zooming in on the craft.
Although the writing is partially obscured, you can make out "FBI Photo
Interpretation" before the photo's coloring impairs your own
interpretation of the writing. We essentially have 2 great bits of
information here. First of all, the unidentified object in the sky,
clearly the focus of the photo as enhanced by the dark figure showing it
to us. Eventually the shot will zoom into this focal point for even
more emphasis. For a show about conspiracy, cover-ups, and aliens, this
image seems a natural fit. Adding in the information about the FBI Photo
is a nice touch to tie in the agency that employs the lead characters
and authorizes the investigations.
Then
we fade to an illuminated purple sphere with a hand moving over top.
Once again, the hand draws our eye into the photo much as the UFO we saw
in the earlier shot. in the erie purple light, we see what appears to
be some sort of hieroglyphics, obscure writing in an unknown language,
or I've even heard suggestions this is a map of star constellations.
Truth is, I'm not certain what this information represents. Still, the
mysterious symbols provide a feeling of mystery which we will certainly
see a lot of on the show. Personally, I like to think the information in
this shot is the truth obscured in an ancient text. If we were to
decipher it, we would gain powerful insight into the mytharc of the
show. Although I'm certain the mytharc wasn't developed enough to do
something like this at the time the credits were created, the idea that
it could be something like that is powerful enough to draw you into the
show.
On a side note: after writing this analysis, Agent M from the X-Files
Truth contacted me and suggested yet another possibility for the purple
symbols above. He suggested it may be an air traffic controller's radar
screen. For comparison sake, see the photo at on the right and make the
judgement for yourself. Given the military involvement in several of the
conspiracies along with use of radar screens in a few of the episodes,
I'd have to say, it's pretty close to the photo above and definitely a
strong possibility.
From one unknown object to anther we progress to a orb with what appears
to be light or possibly electricity randomly pulsing out of the orb.
The object floats in the same sort of purple haze as we saw in the
previous image. The orb may appear to be spinning, but actually it's a
trick of the light moving, not the orb itself. There has been some
speculation that the round object is a
Van de Graaf generator
which produces static electricity, of which I am certainly no expert
except for unintentionally shocking a few people from time to time while
wearing rubber-soled shoes. Looking into the devise, it appears most
have a base which is noticeably absent from the image in the credits.
However, this also could be in our perspective. If we're viewing the Van
de Graaf generator from above, the base may be obscured. Although never
having seen one in operation, from what I have learned about the Van de
Graaf generator, this seems to be the most logical assessment.
Ah...that distorted face. Chris Carter used the face of a
video operator to create the effect. For many years that image reminded me of Duane Barry. While obviously not
Steve Railsback who
portrayed Barry in the credit photo, the anguish and torment the face
seems to show could certainly be said of the disturbed Duane Barry's
character. With the open mouth likely screaming and the terror in the
man's eyes, this photo in my eyes has always been that of an alien
abductee. In many ways, the distortion you see could symbolize the
experiments done on the nameless victims by aliens, doing unnatural
things to humans for their own knowledge. The image could also show us
the horrors that await in the unexplained phenomena we see on the
series.
Next we see a mirror image of a sprouting seed as the words Paranormal
Activity flash in front of them. No question why the words paranormal
activity was used since much of the show centered around this, but why
seeds? Certainly there is no huge mystery about seeds. They've been
known to humans for centuries and used to grow plants of all varieties.
So there must be some underlying philosophical reason for including the
in the credits.
With seeds related to growth, it's possible the seedlings were metaphors
for something growing in the show. Several possibilities presented
themselves such as a growing terror, growing conspiracy and mythology,
and growth in complexity. While these are plausible, it occurred to me
the image has two seeds. Why two? Perhaps because the show focuses on 2
FBI agents. We certainly see both agents grow in their understanding in
the course of the show. Mulder, although never loosing sight of the
paranormal, comes to value the skeptical eye and need for collecting
evidence. Likewise, Scully comes to realize over time that some things
can't be explained through science. However, if this is a metaphor for
the two agents, I think it goes deeper than simply growing in
understanding. Perhaps the growing seeds are meant to show us the growth
in the relationship between Mulder and Scully. Think about how far the
two agents have come since the Pilot to the final episode of the series.
They've gone from strangers to an unlikely pairing of partners earning
trust along the way until the relationship between the two formed an
unshakable bond. Certainly if the seeds symbolizes anything, the growth
of the relationship between Mulder and Scully which was the heart and
soul of the series would be the focus. Then again, it could just be a
couple of seeds that looked cool, and I'm reading WAY too much into
this.
Now we get to the part of the opening that focuses on Mulder. First, we
see Mulder's badge appear, framed by a pair of handcuffs. The words
"Starring David Duchovny" flash over the badge as it zooms in on
Mulder's photo. Fairly self explanatory. Showing our main character and
highlighting the actor portraying him.
A shadowy figure walks in a non-descript room with the words Government
Denies Knowledge with the same purplish color that seems to connect the
majority of the images in the opening. In a show that is based so much
on conspiracy, the chosen words we see are quite fitting. The shadow,
however leaves a little mystery and is open to interpretation. Could
this possibly be a ghost? Although I've never had the experience of
seeing a spirit, the misty shadow shown doesn't seem too far off of
what's been reported. If we were to create a list of top paranormal
phenomena, ghosts certainly make the list, so for a show about
paranormal it isn't too far off to assume that's what the image could
be. However, it's possible the figure is another metaphor? Obviously, a
shadow government wouldn't be out of the question, especially given the
text.
Now it's Scully's turn. We get a close look at her badge as Gillian
Anderson's name crosses the screen and the same zoom in to Scully's
photo. Again, self explanatory for presenting the female lead and the
character. On a side note here, I wanted to point out that although we
see Scully/Gillian Anderson go through different hairstyles and
wardrobes through the seasons, her photo on her badge in the credits
doesn't change for the first 7 seasons. (I suppose the same could be
said of Mulder, but the changes the male lead goes through are less
obvious over the years) It's a small point, but it would seem at an
agency that focuses on law enforcement, you would have an annual update
to your photo on the badge for security reasons. However, we do have to
keep in mind this is pre- 9/11, so things may have been a little more
lax when it comes to little things such as this.
Then we get a shot of Mulder and Scully going into Eugene Victor Toom's apartment on 66 Exeter Street in
Squeeze shown in almost a stop-animation style. The opening credits made their it's first appearance in
Deep Throat, so by that point filming had already begun for the third episode,
Squeeze. There's
nothing particularly extraordinary in the two agents walking into a
door to investigate a case. We see no aliens, no mysterious creatures,
or other aspects of the paranormal, but simply Mulder and Scully. It's
something we will see repeated many times in the series at different
locations for different reasons. The two agents are the constant in the
series, so giving us this moment really shows what's to come. Once
again, there could also be a metaphor attached to this image as well
with the open door. Essentially through their investigations Mulder and
Scully open doors to the paranormal, giving attention to cases that are
often overlooked and forgotten.
The brief flash from this episode also shows us what is likely a
trademark of the show, flashlights. Numerous times we see the two agents
explore using the lighting devices. The image also implies the show is
going to take us to some dark and creepy places which fits nicely with
the opening sequence.
Now
we see the image of an outline hand with roughly human-shaped white
image seeming to fall into the hand. The hand is outlined in a bluish
glow save for a small portion we see in red, and is a striking image in
itself. This frame of the credits has always made me curious, and is
actually the inspiration for writing this post. Doing a little research,
I stumbled across this
information about the Kirlian photography hand.
The hand was created by passing an object through an electrified field.
From an artistic point of view, it certainly creates a eye-catching
image! There have been theories surrounding the Kirlian photography that
it captures an aura, however the theories have never found any
definitive proof. Talking about researching theories with no proof, is
anyone else reminded of a certain show's battle of a skeptical female
FBI agent trained with an eye for the scientific going against a male
agent who will believe just about anything? The idea of Kirlian
photography being at the fringes of science pushes it exactly into the
zone that we will see over and over again in the X-Files.
Of course, there's more to this photo than just the hand. What about the
human-like figure? Could we assume yet another representation? Of
course, seeing the figure fall, we can make assumptions about falling
deeper into the conspiracy. Still, if you take a more holistic approach
and view the figure falling into the hand, it could perhaps be viewed
slightly different. The hand appears to catch the figure, so one might
consider how the characters are there for one another or "catch" each
other in the series. Mulder repeatedly has Scully's back, even going so
far as to trade a woman he thinks is his long-searched-for sister for
his partner. Scully risks her job and life on multiple occasions to
protect Mulder and also saves him throughout the series with her
science. As Mulder himself puts it, "As difficult and frustrating as
it's been sometimes, your goddamned strict rationalism and science have
saved me a thousand times over!" I couldn't have said it better myself.
We now get the slide for the show's creator, Chris Carter, simply
showing us a close-up view of a human eye. Throughout history, eyes have
been powerful symbols. Just look into the ancient Egyptian's
Eye of Horus,
although there are more examples if you look for them. We've all heard
the saying that eyes are the window to the soul, so perhaps there's a
connection here to a show that we really do come to know the characters
so well. However, why an eye for Carter's information? It struck me that
perhaps this is like the
Eye of Providence. This
eye which appears on some American currency has an eye that seems to be
looking through a triangle to show that symbolizes an all-seeing eye of
God. Although some fans may elevate Carter to the level of deity, I
doubt the series creator ever places himself in that category. Still,
there is something to be said about his creative control over the
series. No matter who is directing, acting, or writing, Chris Carter
will likely have a watchful eye over the entire process.
Fade into a thunderstorm that strikes as the tagline of the show is
revealed. Most often, the tagline is "The Truth is Out There", but as
fans know this has been
changed a few times to show something related to the episode.
Truth is certainly a huge part of the show and the darkened landscape
seems to suggest the uphill journey the show will take. As for the
storm, it may suggest struggles along the way, or could have been added
merely for dramatic effect.
So...that's the opening credits which opened the show for the first 7
seasons. I've even heard it suggested there was some superstition among
the producers that it was bad luck to change the credits. Given the end
of the series shortly after changes were made, they might have been on
to something.
As fans, we may not take pause to consider the brief introduction to the
show. The credits really do set the tone for what's to come.
Unfortunately, there seems to be little explanation of each of the
images available online, which is why I wanted to take the time to
present my ideas to help other fans. If I've missed or interpreted
something wrong (as I'm admittedly not an expert on everything), please
let me know. Your thoughts, ideas, and expertise will help myself and
other fans gain a deeper appreciation for the show!
INDEED IT IS 'Father Christmas' that has taken over Christmas,
and become, in a way, the 'God' of X-mas, almost eclipsing and
obliterating the REASON for Christmas, Dressed in his red coat, and
swirling about in his reindeer drawn sleigh weighed down with presents
and good cheer, Father Christmas FILLS the world of commerce and human
gaiety, song and dance - his charity turned into a money making
enterprise that noisily and colourfully overlays Christ and the True
Giver of real JOY and RELIEF to our world. In fact 'Santa Claus',
as he is also called, is the centre of X-mas, and as such has replaced
the remembrance of Christ's Birthday, and the need for our Salvation.
As such he has become yet another 'good thing' that the devil has
twisted and used to divert us away from the Truth. How truly sad
the real St. Nicholas must be. He looks rather sad already in that
image to the left.
AND LET ME NOT WRITE Christmas completely off,as many have been brought up to see it. There is good in the memory of St. Nicholas.
Maybe he will not come down the chimney or leave a sack of hoped for
presents at your door on Christmas Eve. Maybe he will not ride through
the night skies on his Sleigh, yelling "Ho, Ho, Ho and a MERRY CHRISTMAS'.
That is Fairy story, but one I enjoyed and profited from. I knew it
was fairy story, but even so I was comforted by it., I was not
spoilt or contaminated by it I did not lose my way to the Cattle Shed
were my Saviour lay. His Angels led me safely there. The
Christmas Tree, the tinsel decorations and the sense of 'Rejoicing' did
not turn me into a worldly, selfish, debauched person either, but by the
grace of God enhanced my sense of heartfelt love for God AND for family
and my fellow men. Let us not judge one another in these things
for we are all impaired in our understanding and perceptions. Let us
be GLAD that we have, all of us, a Father in Heaven, Who loves us, and
who had given us SUCH A GIFT, new every day in fact, but especially
noticed at Christmas.
