Title sequences are used by films to present their titles, as well as production and cast. A title sequence typically includes opening credits, and may incorporate live action, animations, music, images and graphics.
A primary function of title sequences is to establish tone. Through the title sequence, audiences can gain an initial understanding of the film’s pace and genre. Moreover, title sequences can engage with audiences through foreshadowing certain themes and motifs in the movie without spoiling key details of the plot, building a sense of enigma. In addition, title sequences can be used to reveal unexplained details of the film.
Major elements of an title sequence include:
Typography
Colour
Texture
Lighting
Camera/Style of motion
Editing
Imagery (clips, images, animation/modelling)
Saul Bass (1920-1996)
Saul Bass was an iconic 20th century graphic designer. He incorporated a minimalist style into his works, which revolutionised title sequences in film. At the time, most title sequences presented credits in a static fashion and were overlooked at the beginning of films. However, Saul introduced moving ‘kinetic type’ letters accompanied by animated objects over a backdrop of bright colours. This made his title sequences wildly popular across cinemas, and had a huge influence on later title sequence designs. In addition, Saul Bass also created a lasting impact on film poster design, creating countless iconic posters with bold contrasting colours, graphics and typography, such as in Vertigo (1958). This highlights the importance of having an eye-catchy title sequence that draws audiences into the mood of the film.
Inception Title Sequence Analysis
Three logos are presented in the title sequence: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures and Syncopy. Overall, the title sequence is presented in monochrome with a strong grey gradient. The colour grey is often associated with the thriller genre, creating a sense of suspense and moral obscurity, which represents key genre conventions and sets up the atmosphere of the film. The rippling effect of the Warner Bros Logo emulates the effect of early tape projector, and is combined with rows of studios in the background to convey the Warner Bros is a well-established company with deep history in the film industry. Heavy texture and weathering effects are applied on the Legendary Pictures Logo, creating a sense of grandeur together with the glowing and lighting effects that associate with the fantasy genre which Legendary Pictures is known for. The Syncopy logo rises through a maze-shaped frame with heavy shadows, which illustrates suspense and introduces a sense of enigma that corresponds with the complex plot of the film.
