Title sequences are the creative and conceptual presentation of title, key production and cast members in the beginning of movies or TV shows using visual and sound effects. Title sequences are often referred to as opening credits when there is a difference between the two. Opening credits are usually superimposed text on a blank screen or on top of action in the show while title sequences are shown as a separate scene.
From the dull roll of credits in the early days of cinema, title sequences has evolved into another form of visual spectacle to thrill the audience prior to the movie or TV show itself.
Otto Preminger’s The Man With The Golden Arm (1955) and his collaboration with graphic designer Saul Bass started this sensation using that “simple cut-out of a heroin addict’s arm” in the film’s titles.
Projectionists — pull curtain before titles.
This note was even stuck on the cans of film reels, suggesting that Otto and Saul had created something very interesting and they wanted to make sure that the audience see it.
From then on, film and TV show creators came up with exciting title sequences such as: the singing ruby lips of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975); Kim Novak’s tense face closeups from Vertigo (1958); three-and-a-half minute crane shot from Touch of Evil (1958); playful, referential intro from The Player (1992); the shadow and substance from The Twilight Zone (1959); and of course, Game of Thrones‘ intricate cartography.
Here are some of the amazing title sequences that captivated our attention over the years:
Da Vinci’s Demons (2013)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Scott Pilgrim vs the World (2010)
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (2009)
Coraline (2009)
Juno (2007)
MirrorMask (2005)
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Fight Club (1999)
Se7en (1995)
Didn’t that made you want to watch them after seeing those title sequences? Check out more of these awesome title sequences at Art of the Title.
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