Movie title sequences used to be boring: a simple list of movie stars and directors people had to sit through before the actual movie started. Then directors got more creative and gave the work of producing a title sequence to talented design teams. Title sequences are used to establish tone and create a story line. In 99% Invisible, Juno is used as an example, showing how the title sequence, instead of being a bland list of the stars names, establishes right away Juno’s quirky world view. The music in the background is another asset to making Juno’s title sequence more memorable. Another example of a title sequence that was well done would be Psycho, which we watched in class. Although it only uses a series of simple white bars to escort the names on and off the screen, the title sequence gives us elements to focus on: contrast and tension. In the few short minutes provided, the title sequence of Psycho tells the audience everything they need to know about the plot, without saying much of anything.
In the Conjuring, the title sequence is used very effectively. Through spooky uses of everyday objects, the essence of the film is established. Smiling family portraits, faded newspaper clippings, and photo negatives are presented by an unseen lecturer. Some of the pictures are actually old photographs of the main family in the film. The sounds of ringing bells and an old video player are heard behind eerie music. Using each of these aspects, the title sequence is able to give a basic summary of the movie. The actors names are shown as if they are words on the sheets of paper that this unknown person is moving around. The presentation of these actors names also hints at how the main character is a guy who gives lectures about spooky things. All of these things create a very scary opening to the Conjuring.
http://vimeo.com/70837709 (the Conjuring title sequence)
In the Conjuring, the title sequence is used very effectively. Through spooky uses of everyday objects, the essence of the film is established. Smiling family portraits, faded newspaper clippings, and photo negatives are presented by an unseen lecturer. Some of the pictures are actually old photographs of the main family in the film. The sounds of ringing bells and an old video player are heard behind eerie music. Using each of these aspects, the title sequence is able to give a basic summary of the movie. The actors names are shown as if they are words on the sheets of paper that this unknown person is moving around. The presentation of these actors names also hints at how the main character is a guy who gives lectures about spooky things. All of these things create a very scary opening to the Conjuring.