Film Title Design

se7en

I can no longer be late for a movie again!

I had no idea that there is so much work put into the beginning of a film. All of these title sequences utilize music really well. The music always fits for the genre of film that it is introducing. In Juno the music is up beat and playful because that is how the movie is, in the “300” title sequence I love the music that is playing throughout the entire piece. It adds to the sense of scenery and sets the historical context that the film is in. In “Se7en” you have the creepy sound effects and the police siren in the background that just sets the scene for the intro to the movie, and etc. for all the other movie sequences.

Along with sound the camera angles and cuts in the title sequence are just as important as the sound and any other feature. In “300” the use of camera angles and motion makes it seem like you’re on a ride throughout the sequence. The same thing can be said for “Iron Man” and “Spider Man II.” The viewer seems as he/she are floating and the camera just drags or yanks them into another scene which keeps the user engage to what is going on. But the most important factor that all these title sequences have is they are illustrated and designed wonderfully.

Each title sequence is different but all of the title sequence I watch has great design. In “300” the animation is stunning, the blood that gusts out of the characters body looks so real and then the freeze frame and quick cuts let you see the design of the characters up close. In “Se7en” the graphics are not animated but still have just as equal of effect on the viewer. The way some the images and video is blurred, distorted, or repeated to give you sense of shaking and motion adds to the spirit of the film. In “Juno” the designer combines the animation and real life feel by transferring the background into a cartoon mode but kind of keeping the main character life like. I think the film “Hostage” does the best job at the placement of text. The transition from each scene to the next always put you in the view of the text so it is clear to that is the main purpose in this tittle sequence.

Effective title sequences have to contain strong design, animation, camera motion, and sound. If you title sequence does not excel at one or more of these categories then it really isn’t a good design. Now when I go the movies I will have a mental checklist to see if their title sequence is good or not.