Title sequence essay
- 1. Title Sequence Essay Title Sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or all three by utilising conceptual visuals, sound, shots and sometimes computer generated images. I will be looking at four film title sequences from The Damned United (2009), Shrek (2001), North by Northwest (1959) and Goldfinger (1964). The Damned United is a sports drama film. The film is centred around Brian Clough's failed tenure as Leeds United (lasting 44 days), Clough's successes and failures at Derby County and his love/hate relationship with assistant Peter Taylor. The opening title sequence of The Damned United serves as a prologue to the film detailing the short-term events which are the cause of what is to transpire in the film. The sequence begins with a black screen and white lettering detailing the main production companies involved with the films production with the infamous chant “Glory, Glory Leeds United” signifying that the film will revolve around Leeds United. The sequence then cuts to archival footage of Leeds United's Championship season of 73-74 particularly excellent goals and moments of physical aggression with commentary detailing how disliked Leeds are despite their dominance. There is also archival footage of England’s failure to qualify for the 1974 World Cup before ending with the caption “There is only one obvious choice” before an establishing shot of Elland Road (the home ground of Leeds United) with The Damned United. Despite this being the most modern film I used, the title sequence is almost entirely made up of archival footage. Whilst the title sequence of Goldfinger also uses archival footage, The Damned United does not reveal any main characters in the sequence and does not credit members of cast and production unlike the Goldfinger title sequence. It is also the only sequence of the three situation films which does not have raw footage e.g. whilst North by Northwest and Goldfinger contain film of actual people being filmed, the Damned United does not. Shrek is a computer animated family film. The film is loosely based on William Steig's fairy tale picture book “Shrek!”. The opening title sequence of Shrek is the only one of the four sequences which is entirely animated. The sequence itself begins with a voice-over of Shrek reading from a book detailing the story behind the plot. Then Shrek exits his lavatory and goes through his morning routine through which the four main cast members are shown to the song “All-Star” by Smash Mouth. This song is jovial and sets a positive tone for the sequence and indicates that the feature film will be light-hearted. The computer animation is utilised by manipulating various aspects of Shreks environment to form names e.g. when Shrek pulls a fish out of the pond, the pondweed circulates to form the name Camren Diaz. The sequence also cuts from Shreks swamp to a group of poachers preparing to hunt him. This is done to show how unaffected Shrek is as when they're are shots of poachers getting pitchforks (an offensive weapon), Shrek is seen lifting up a spoon. The peasant like clothing suggests that Shrek is based in a medieval era which makes it the oldest sequence in terms of period of setting despite it using modern technology. North by Northwest is an American Thriller film. The film is set in 1959 New York and is a tale of mistaken identity, with an innocent man pursued across the United States by agents of a mysterious organization who want to stop his interference in their plans to smuggle out microfilm containing government secrets. The title sequence for North by Northwest is renowned for having the first title sequence to use kinetic typography (moving text). The
- 2. sequence itself is the only sequence of the four to use both animation and real-life footage. The sequence is animated at first. A grid is eventually formed which transitions into a shot from an office block on a busy New York street whilst the credits roll. The camera cuts to a bust street with many people heading in different directions signifying rush hour. This is done to signify that there will be many people who influence the plot of North by Northwest. Whilst this is happening, the sequence is accompanied Northwest by Northwest is the oldest title sequence of the four as the film was made in 1959 however the production values of the sequence are up to a modern standard in terms of quality and is more effective than The Damned United (the most modern sequence) in engaging the audience. James bond's Goldfinger is a British spy film. The film was made in 1964 and is based on the novel of the same name (written by Ian Fleming). From the titles, it is indicated that Bond will be faced with a villain who goes by the name “Goldfinger”. It is also indicated that Bonds love interest is a Pussy Galore. The sequence begins with the iconic shot of the gun shot from James Bond and the slow descent of a red tint (similar to dripping blood). The sequence then changes to a golden hand to the song “Goldfinger”. There are many shots of this golden woman with archival footage of the characters including Bond, Pussy Galore and Auric Goldfinger on her body. This continues through the remainder of the sequence. The sequence features clips of all James Bond films thus far projected on Margaret Nolan's body. Its design was inspired by seeing light projecting on people's bodies as they got up and left a cinema. This sequence is the longest of the four sequences and like North by Northwest, details most production companies, cast and others involved in the making of the film. It was also seen as a pioneer sequence with regard to featuring women in a sexual manner. To conclude, title sequences are an integral part of film when building up tension and explaining the plot, particularly in the four films highlighted. Each film utilises different techniques ranging from kinetic typography, to computer animation, to use of archival footage. Despite the 50 year gap from North by Northwest to The Damned United, techniques used in the 50's for title sequences still apply in modern film. Joe Egan