Categorizing Title Sequences
Four categories of title sequences can be identified.
Titles superimposed on a blank screen
- Historically this is the most common type of title sequence
- involves different kinds of type black face on a black background.
- usually a white type face is used on a black background to create high contrast.
- studios use them because they are low budget.
- they can offer a simple uncomplicated way to include institutional information at the beginning of a film.
One example of a title sequence that i looked at was Psycho the film (1960) the film was quite basic and plain and it was set a log time ago, also the music was very dramatic and instruments like violins were used to possibly intensify the feel of the film and forebode the further aspects of the film. I feel like this title sequence is quiet boring and it doesn't really catch your eye, you can see the developments from title sequences then and now.
The second film sequence Ilooked at was Pulp Fiction. I so feel like this sequence was very basic but I thnk that there point is to make sure the people included in the film are very noticed and recognized for there work and its not so much focused on the special effects like film sequences now, there are pros and cons of title sequences like this, it may not be very interesting for viewers but the people who contributed to the film get good clear recognition. I liked when near the end of the sequence they changed the song and i feel like they did this for the possible reason if the viewers wasn't paying as much attention it draws them in again.Titles accompanied with still images
- this category of title sequence is more elaborate than just white text on a black background.
- historically title cards developed to include hand draw boarders and other images.
- this category of title sequence indicate a move past just text but a way to incorporate text with visual image to hint at the genre of the film.
- the development of titles accompanied by still images coincides with credits getting longer to embed more than just the name of the studio and the film maker.
- studios began to support more elaborate title sequences and recognized there asset to the film
Titles with moving images
- This category incorporates the credit titles for moving images, usually with no sound and dialogue.
- moving images serve purposes.
2. Metaphor.
- To help introduce the story line to the audience.
I looked at the title sequence Rear Window which had a moving image behind the title sequences. I think that having a moving image is better than having a black or still image because it helps set the scene a but more and gives the audience and better feel or insight into what they'll be watching. Also I feel like the music also helps along side the moving images as it could contributes to what the certain people do in the moving image or it could just be sound. overall there's a lot more you can do with moving images in the background.
The second title sequence I looked at was City Of God, I feel like the moving images in this title sequence were very effective and they contributes to the film a lot as the title sequence is a beneficial part in the film. At the end of the title sequence you can see a flash back and this is a very crucial thing because if you weren't aware of this flashback this could mess up your whole understanding of the story. People could argue that the fact there are so many events happening in the back ground it takes the focus of the title sequences and takes credit away from the film makers.
Titles using Animation or Motion
- In the late 1990's the use of animated text in titles became more popular.
- the titles became part of the moving image and are together with the images we see.
- title sequences require a lot of digital technology and stylized editing.
The title sequence I looked at with animation and motion was Casino Royale I think that animation is a very good aspect of title sequences as its more appealing, things that reform into something else tend to interest people because they don't know what's coming up. In addition the fact that the credits are moving work hand in hand with the animation as there both doing something. also I like that fact of how much color there is and the animation tells a story which sets the genre and idea about the film.
The second film I looked at was Catch Me If You Can. I feel like the animation was effective in this title sequence because the other animation is tells a story, this tile sequence doesn't give the story line away too much by not showing any actors. Also A feel like in this title sequence they tried to mix an old title sequence with aspects of a new one as most of the colors in this title sequence were bold block colors but, they also used transitions, animation and special effects.
Narrative
- the titles are integrated into the moving image in some way and begin as the film itself begins, this could b e a long established shot or as part of a series of shots.
I feel like the first title sequence I watched was quite unpredictable and didn't give the plot away too much. it could be seen as confusing because the music seems to be very scary and dramatic, where as the imagery is a lovely view in a peaceful environment. They used a range of good moving camera shots for example giving a driver view and then transforming into a aircraft view. Using these shots makes the audience feel more involved into the film. Although they has good aspects I find title sequences like this quite boring.
I feel like the second type of title sequence I watched Panic Room main focus of the film sequence. I think that it was setting the scene by the camera shots and music. You could see the busy new York and I think that this gives the audience an idea of an urban film, also the fact its set in the city you thin about the fact it being set in and office. In addition the fact the music sounds like a ticking clock could also give hints about the film and also the fact that everyone in new York rushes could suggest there's no time and its a very upbeat film.
Discrete
- the titles are in the film but its not specifically clear what the story line/plot is.
- this type of title sequence helps set the tone and gives glues about what the film could later be about and this creates and "ahh" moment when we realize the significance of the title.
I looked at the discrete title sequence Monday. I think that discrete title sequences are good and tactical because, it incorporates excitement from beginning and in order to find out what its about and what actually happens you have to watch on. Also they use a lot of blurred images and shadows to create mystery.
Stylized
- these are highly stylized title sequences.
- they can be a mixture of two sub-categories in terms of what we see, but moving images and titles have been stylized with filters and motion, to create a combined effect.
I think that stylized titles create more focus on theme they are colored and more visible, also there are much more techniques used through out the sequence for example slow motion and speeding up and using various other camera shots for effect.
My Favorite
I think that my favorite out of the three is discrete title sequences because, I like the fact it doesn't give too much of the story line away to the audience and I also like the concept of the ahh factor because it makes you enjoy the film more and feel more apart of the production. Also I think that it results in a better understanding of the film as you have to refer to the beginning what happens through out the film and the end were it normally all comes together and makes sense. I feel like discrete title sequences are the most interesting therefore my personal preference.
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