Though I understand what a title sequence is, I wonder if end credits count. I was uncertain and didn’t wager to research (any musical with Rob Marshall or Bill Condon would win that battle). I’m not too interested in title sequences; they don’t really determine the film either way. I actually like when films are excessively sparse with title sequences – like The Departed or Atonement. All we get is a single title card that’s superimposed (or in the latter’s case – typed) and the film continues. Simple, effective and without pomp or scene.
That being said a nice jaunty title sequence does work – An Education and Down with Love come to mind. There’s the cheerful music, and the humorous sequences – it lifts your mood and you’re not even sure what the movies are about as yet. Then – there are the more sombre ones. I continue to hail last year’s Coraline is a testimony to animation for, for children and adults, done right and I love the title sequence. The needle makes the doll as the solemn music plays and we get a glimpse out into the night sky, and that aspect of creation reminds me of The English Patient – another sombre opening. We spend a good five minutes at least watching a paint brush work its way across a surface. When it was one of my banners, Castor was so kind as to compare it to pee stains from a dog…not quite. Eventually (if you watch the film) you’ll know that the paintings are of a fateful cave, but we know it’s something sombre nonetheless as Gabriel Yared’s brilliant score plays overhead. It’s simple to ignore title sequences but, whether it’s a single shot (sometimes brevity is important) or an elongated sequence they do have their significance, I suppose.
All for the MEME (automated posting).
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