10: Categorising Title Sequence

Title Sequences

When it comes down to title sequences there are four different identifiable categories, these include titles on a blank screen, titles on still images, titles with moving images and finally titles using animation or motion

Titles on a blank screen

- These title sequences consist of a plain background with no images and simple typography bringing all the attention to the title and credits. Majority titles on a blank screen include a plain black background with white text overlapping creating contrast between the two bringing emphasis to the text, in this case the film title/credits. Movies created this way tend to be low budget due to the fact it is very easy and simple to create, however by doing this they can create iconic titles as all the focus is on the title and they are easy to recognise. These category of title sequence do not create many clues to what the movie may be about therefore it creates no context, the only thing that the audience can go off to what the movie may be about is the background music, overall this creates a sense of mystery, essentially hooking the audience

An example of this is 'Pulp Fiction', this iconic title is known world wide due to the simple typography over a black backround and the 3D orange and red text. The title sequence to 'Psycho' is also another iconic title due to the simple white typography over a plain black background with dramatic and intense music playing in the background. These title sequences may be simple, however they create a big impact because they become recognisable for their symbolic title.

Titles on a still image

- This category of title sequence is fairly similar to titles on a blank screen due to the simplicity shared between the two categories, however this time there is more context due to the still images behind the titles, these still images give clues to what the movie may be about, this then gives expectations to the movie as well as establish a tone. This is a popular category of title sequence as it can be created within a low budget and encorporating enough information to catch the audiences attention and start raising questions about what does the image used in the title sequence have to do with the plot of the movie. The images used not only creates context and still brings focus to the title, but can also be intertwined with the background music, an example of this is the title sequence to 'Wimbledon'.

This title sequence falls in the category of 'titles on a still image', there are various reasons to as of why i like this title sequence. One of them being that the music is intertwined with the still images to emphasis the effect and sound of tennis balls being hit by a tennis racket and makes the sound appear more prominent. Also i noticed that the credits switch sides, similarly to how a tennis ball will travel, also the credits change as you hear the sounds of tennis balls being hit, this is the same with the still images which is a reason why using still images are successful as they can emphasise other aspects of the title sequence. The white text also contrasts against the images creating more focus towards the titles which is one of the main reasons to why people use this category of title sequence.

Titles on moving images

- This category of title sequences involves the backrounf being a video that has some type of context towards the movie, a majority of the time there is no dialogue in this category of title sequence however there is less emphasis and focus towards the title and credit due to the audiences eyes gravitating to the moving images behind the credits. This category of title sequence is more expensive to produce as scenes must be created to produce the title sequence.

The title sequence to 'Rear Window' falls within the category of 'titles on moving images'. In this title sequence the moving images seems to be a view from a window, this creates context especially as the title of the movie is called 'Rear Window'. However in this particular sequence there seems to to be much going on in the background, also the background music appears to be a variety of instruments playing one of which the violin, this creates the impression that the movie may be comedy due to the light-hearted music. Also the typography is very simple with white text and a red outline creating contrast with the background.

Titles using animation or motion

This category of title sequence is the most technical to produce due to the skill needed to create this type of title sequence. This category of title sequence began to be popular once technology advanced during the 1990's. This meant that there was another alternative to using moving images, this can lead to credits and titles being integrated into the title sequence, this allows for more creativity as people are allowed to create anything they please without having to spent a lot of time filming scenes.

For this category i watched a title sequence for the James Bond movie 'Casino Royale'. Once the title sequence begins one of the first images seen is a red liquid dripping (possibly blood) which is created digitally, this may be do create the impression that there is violence and carnage involved. Overall there tends to be a lot of digital design incorporated into the sequence which follows the rhythm of the dramatic music.


I realised that there are 3 other caratgories that i have not mentioned as they are more specific, these include:

1) Narrative title sequences

- This category of title sequences involves titles being placed over moving images, these moving images tends to be panning or taking a long established shot of an area, these are commonly used for action films. I watched the title sequence to 'The Shining". The sequence to this involved titles being layered over a movie image of things such as roads and nature. The music to this sequence is very dramatic and builds as the sequence goes on

2) Discrete title sequences

- This category of title sequences are used to not give too much information to the audience whilst still creating a sense of mystery. From the title sequence the audience will not know what the plot may be about so this category of title sequence leaves room for the imagination. I watched the title sequence to SE7EN to get a better understanding of this category. I watched the title sequence to SE7EN to get a better understanding of this type of title sequence, I noticed that we are provided with a variety if quick shots to create context and give the viewer an idea of the the movie is based, the music is integrated with the shots resulting in a title sequence that is in rhythm.

3)Stylised title sequences 

- This category is a mix of the two, two factors in a title sequence such as the credits and images have been stylised to create a combined effect, this includes transitions and green screens.

I watched the title sequence to 'The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3' to get a better idea of this specific category. I immediately recognised the codes and conventions that would determine the fact that this title sequence falls in the category of 'stylised title sequences'. I know this because the credits would come into the screen and out of the screen as the trans were coming by, meaning that the two were intertwined to create a combined effect.