Categorising Title Sequences - Task 6

Titles on a blank screen

Most common type of title sequence, involves different kinds of type face on a black background. Usually a white type face is used on a black background to create a high contrast. They are typically used because they are low budget. An example I looked at for this type of title sequence was Psycho. It looked very old-fashioned and very 'powerpoint' like due to the transitions.

Titles on still images

A move past just text but a way to incorporate text with a visual image to hint at the tone or genre of the film. With this type of title sequence, studios were beginning to support the development of more elaborate title sequences and recognised their contribution to the film as a whole. I looked at the film 'Wimbledon' to see an example of this type of title sequence. It was quite effective due to the fact that it foreshadowed events which occur in the film.

Titles over moving images

This type of title sequence incorporates the credit titles with moving image behind the titles, sound and usually no dialogue. The image serves to offer either a metaphor or a narrative thread. This is to help introduce the tone or storyline of the film to the audience. Rear window is an old fashioned example of this type of title sequence. It was very old fashioned however very clever and effective as it sets up the scene as the camera zooms through a window which gives us an idea of the 'rear window' in the film title. I also looked at City of God which was another effective example as it introduces the scenery to the audience.

Titles using animation or motion

Titles using animation or motion became more popular in the late 1990's. This is most likely due to the advances in technology as before this time film companies didn't have the technology to produce title sequences as such. Titles themselves became part of the moving image and are integrated together with the images we see. This requires a lot of digital technology and stylised editing. The James Bond movies are well known for their title sequences. I looked at the title sequence for Casino Royale and it was by far the most engaging and most enticing. It is very advanced and it foreshadows the movie very well with the use of the playing cards to link scenes.