When I read the description for this assignment I got really happy. I said to myself, “Yay, title sequences! Awesome.” And I as I began to peruse the selections of title sequences on both sites I encountered the title sequence for Irreversible. This movie is so sick and depraved and I have wondered many times why anyone would make this. I have attempted to watch this movie at least 5 times but I can’t make it past the first 30 minutes. Needless to say, the sick, sick, sick person that I am on the inside figured I that I would click on the title sequence given that I have attempted to block any imagery from this movie out of my mind. I’m glad I clicked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXaDWo_YRnA
The title sequence has a strict color scheme to begin with: red and white on a black background. It uses big, bold, block letters in which some are reversed very much like what the title describes. This portion of the sequence is in complete silence. It then begins to rotate off screen and then we say an image of a man that rotates 360 degrees then finally swings off screen. Following this, the text begins to flash almost with a strobe light-like effect and switching between roles and a names to the beat of the drum.
Knowing the content of the film, the title sequence matches it perfectly! The reversed lettering and the fact that the title sequence layer in reverse foreshadow what viewers may expect from the film. I will say that the drums and flickering text do add a bit of dramatic flair but nothing truly prepares viewers for what this film has to offer. As much as I despise the parts of the film that I have seen, I have to admit that simplicity is key with this title sequence. They use a contrast of color and sound or lack thereof to build suspense.