There are 4 main title sequence types which can be identified. I will be identifying all 4 but the most important ones for my coursework are the titles with moving images and titles with animation.
1. Titles in a blank screen:
This type is used the most in the film industry as it is an easy way to put in institutional information about the film as well as being low budget.
This way if presenting titles involves different typefaces on a black background. Often its a white typeface on a black background to create a clear contrast.
An example of this type title sequence is the 'Pulp Fiction' one. This sequence makes use of a black background which contrasts the white (and some yellow) typography.
The other example of a film which has this type of title sequence is 'Psycho'. This title sequence also uses a simple font and typography and the music is used is used for a dramatic effect and to potentially hint towards the tone of the film. There is also an establishment of the setting of the film, however, no other clues are given.
2. Titles on still images
This type of title sequence are more elaborate and involve combining different media to create the background. This type of title sequence allows a way to incorporate text with visual images which helps the audience as it established the tone of the film. The credits are longer which allows the studio to add more than just names of the film maker and studio.
The example I looked at for this type of title sequence is 'Wimbledon'. The editing of the still images made the public in the tennis court appear as if they were moving their heads to the rhythmic beat of a tennis ball being hit. The simultaneous movement of head, tennis ball sound and appearance of credits is a clever way to bring attention to the credit titles. Also, small things like the light weather and the casual tone of the title sequence enabled the setting of the mood for the film.
3. Titles with moving images
This type of title sequence incorporates credit titles with moving images behind the titles along with (most often non-diabetic) sounds. The moving images are very useful as they can serve to portray a metaphor or narrative thread. This helps as the audience can get a glimpse of the story line of the film.
The example of this type title sequence in a film is 'Rear Window'. In this title sequence the clue given about the film is a setting. From the moving image behind the credit titles we can see a window that shows the outside of an apartment in a city.
4. Titles using animation or motion
This type of sequence became popular in the late 1990's. Here the title credits become part of the moving images and this type of title sequence required quite a lot of digital technology and stylized editing.
The examples given for this type of title sequence are 'Casino Royale' and 'Catch Me If You Can'.
'Casino Royale' title sequence is set out in a way which makes the theme of action in the film apparent. The background music reflected the genre of the film along with gun shots which is very effective in letting the audience knowing and recognizing the tone of the film.
Also, there is a sense of mystery as the characters aren't revealed throughout the sequence except for Bond himself and a glimpse of a female character in the face of a Queen card, which suggests she is important.
The images of playing cards and shots of blood suggest the theme of dangerous game being played in the film. Also the theme of the colour red connotes danger and death which further serves as a clue for the audience.
The titles themselves stay white which leaves them in a constant contrast with the background.
'Catch Me If You Can' has a very mysterious title sequence. We can recognize the main character although not seeing a face throughout the whole sequence. The character seems to be constantly disguising himself to blend in with the crowd. This suggests the theme of deception in the film.
The music is light and upbeat keeping up with the swift and fast movements of the main character which helps the audience recognize this character as clever and sharp-witted. The titles flow very well with the title sequence and what is going on. They seem to belong there as a part of the image yet they are noticeable. For example in one shot they are put as part of light being radiated from a light bulb.
Narrative title sequences put the titles into the moving images. This type of title sequence usually begins along with the film and therefore is made up of establishing shots.
The example I watched for this type of title sequence is 'The Shining'. It was very effective in setting the tone for the film because of the chilling background music which creates a sense of suspense for the audience.
In Discrete title sequences the titles are integrated into the moving images. With these title sequences the plot is not made clear yet the audience get some clues towards the tone of the film as well as some form of foreshadowing on future events.
The example for this type of title sequence is 'Se7en'. Here the tone of the film is effectively set with the suspenseful music and very high-pitched sound, which mimics a horrific scream, right from the start. This connotes danger and a sense of fear.
Stylised title sequences can be a mixture of 2 types of sequences. The sequence would be heavily edited in order for the images and titles to look combined. In a stylised title sequence it is mainly the editing which is used for the setting of the tone.
The example given for this type of title sequence is 'Taking of Pelham 123'. We can recognise this title sequence as stylised from the over cracking and underbracing of frames along with the editing of titles to appear and disappear as trains in order to fit into the visual part of the sequence seamlessly.
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