13. title sequencing research
13. title sequencing
yayyy! my favorite part (sort of)
so, assuming you dont know what a title sequence is, let me explain it to you. a title sequence is basically just a part in the beginning of a movie that gives credit to people like directors, the studio behind it, the major roles in the making of the movie, and then introduces the title. think of the scene in the new deadpool and wolverine movie, that iconic dance number to bye bye bye that i have most definitely learned by now from watching it so much. that's a title sequence.
now that we have that out of the way, let's get into the main course of today's blog post. today, we're gonna be going over three different title sequences in movies. let's get started!
batman (1989)
the title sequencing for batman (1989) centers mainly around the imagery of a bat-logo made out of stone. the camera traces the lines and edges of the logo, dipping in between as if we were exploring tunnels. shots dissolve between each other, with a grand score in the background that explodes into an active, heroic tune. it creates a sense of anticipation, preparing the audience for the upcoming events of the action movie. the actual title texts are in yellow, and they don't really pop up in any interesting fashions, simply centered on the screen. it's also quite dark, which i think fits quite well with the general atmosphere of the movie.
The Bear (Season 2, Episode 10) (2023)
the title sequence for this one is quite fast-paced. it consists of a handheld shot of Sydney, one of the chefs at the restaurant, reading out orders and talking to the staff. its a close-up, and there is dark blue text flashing on the bottom right corner of the screen, popping up with the credits before disappearing quickly. the camera shifts to a low angle after a bit. it does pan ocassionally, though not much. the biggest movement the camera makes, though, is as dishes are handed to servers, and one particular one seems to be the focus of the frame. it follows him, and focuses in on the apron he's wearing, which sports the title of the series (and the restaurant) "the bear". i think the fast-paced and almost documentary style of the title sequencing here really fits the atmosphere of a restaurant.
the addams family (1991)
this title sequencing reminds me so much of halloween... maybe because its the addams family, or because of the spooky music playing in the background. the sequence starts with christmas carolers, slowly panning to show all of them as they sing, then slowly raising up the house in the background, revealing the addam's family at the rooftop, with a giant steaming cauldron. as the camera goes up, credits flash on the screen. theres a slight zoom in on the cauldron, which is then slowly tilted forward. from the smoke, the title comes out, as if was being poured out. then, it's just black with smoke, and the credits continue flashing names on the screen. i think it does a good job of showing a little of the family's personality without giving too much away. the addam's family is a little odd and cooky, so the music fits, the pouring a steaming liquid on a group of joyous people fits, and a sense of darkness and spookiness is created with the smoke and the dark colors.
