Blog Post 13: Title Sequence Research

     

 Titles are a big part in film, it can help establish the general theme and give viewers a taste of what is to be expected. Titles can also help the audience get into the general feel of the the film. Below are 3 examples of how title sequences are uniquely done to establish the general feel of their films.

 

                                                                   Napoleon Dynamite:

Napoleon Dynamite's title sequence was originally excluded from the main film, only added in later during it's theatrical premiere, encapsulates the general aesthetic of the film perfectly. Due to not being initially planned, the title sequence was created later and was carefully made to match the aesthetic of the film. Opening with a sequence of food items, eventually skimming through the mundane belongings of main character Napoleon Dynamite, It encapsulates the feel of an average teenager living in a rural town, attending a normal school.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery: 

Austin Powers, being the comical spoof of spy films and 60's pop culture, has a fitting title sequence to compliment it. Austin Power's title sequence contains many artistic elements popular in 60's culture. The colorful flowers along with the tie-dye-esque with the fluid hippy-like font of the title, sets the mood and general idea for what is to expect from a character such as Austin Powers. Overall the title does an exceptional job for laying flat the campy, satire, mood of the film.

Akira:

Akira, one of the most influential animated movies of all time, has a powerful title to compliment it's gritty and symbolic themes. The large bold letters of the title bring help to drive home the significance of the name "Akira". This is further shown through the bright red color chosen for the title, helping to evoke a sense of unease. The appearance of the title also helps aid in this sense of mysterious urgency, with the title suddenly appearing on the screen, complimented with the sound of  Japanese taiko and Taino drums. Overall the execution with portraying the urgency through the title is nothing short of phenomenal.