In this post I am going to explain what a title sequence is and show you examples of different title sequences ..... hope you enjoy.
A Title Sequence - The method by which films present their titles. Key production and cast members use visuals and sounds. It includes the text of the opening credits and helps to establish the tone and the setting of the program. For more information on title sequences click here.
I am now going to embed 2 title sequences from 2 different films and then I am going to evaluate them.
The first title sequence I am going to look at is from the film catch me if you can. I am going to embed a video below of the opening title sequence.
First, we are shown a black title and black figures on a light blue background which could signify that the black figures that are shown are characters from the film and that they play really important parts in the film.
The black figure that is closest to the front of the shot and always in the shot throughout the title sequence could signify to the audience that this is portraying the main character in the film.
In each shot of the black figure he disappears and then reappears again wearing something completely different each time we see him. This could signify to the audience (if they have never seen the film before) that the main character has a split personality or he has many different jobs throughout the film.
The titles of the film suggests that this main character is on the run from someone or something and he is disguising himself in several different ways in order for him not to be caught.
The next part of the title sequence we see a motorway with several cars on it. We then see a car speeding along the motorway as if someone is involved in a car chase and like someone is trying to escape from someone. A police chase.
We then see the black figure walking around by a pool which suggests that while he is on the run imposing as these different people he is living a life of luxury and earning a lot of money from what he is doing.
We then see him in a doctors uniform which suggests that this is one of the jobs he is imposing as.
We then see the detective that is after him getting closer to catching him.
We then see him working or imposing as a musician.
At the end we see the detective closing in on the culprit.
This title sequence shows the audience the plot of the film and what will happen in the film before it has even begun.
It fits in with the genre of the film as it is very fast paced and active and there are a lot of things going on which reflects on what the film is like.
The music that is used creates mystery and suspicion and it sounds like it being played by a jazz band.
The next title sequence I am going to look at is from the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I am going to embed a video below of the opening title sequence.
The first thing i notice is the colours they are very dark and dull colours this could signify that something is going to happen whether it be good or bad.
Throughout the whole title sequence there is chocolate being shown which signifies to the audience that this film is obviously about chocolate in some way.
The genre of this film is a comedy, drama, fantasy. This isn't really shown in the opening title of the film because all it is showing is chocolate and the colours throughout the opening titles are brown and black.
The titles that appear throughout the opening titles are yellow on the dark and dull background this makes the titles stand out to the audience.
It is effective because it doesn't give much away so it keeps the audience guessing about what it could be and then it keeps the audience watching.
They could have used chocolate as an effective way to keep people watching as everyone likes chocolate and therefore if they think the film is based on chocolate people will want to keep watching.
The pace of the titles are quite quick which portrays the pace at which the film goes. In the film when willy wonka is taking charlie around the factory it is quite fast paced an things happen really quickly which the opening titles are portraying.
The music that is being played is quite happy and family orientated which could encourage the readers to watch.
I am now going to embed a video giving you a brief history of the art of the titles.
For my next post I am going to be talking about film studio idents and why they are used and why they are so effective.
