The Art of Titles

An incredible source of inspiration for designers with a fetish for illustration or typography and a goldmine for movies addicted. This is a review about www.artofthetitle.com

Personally I’ve always been amazed by the title sequences of movies when they break the usual boredom. It involves so many possibilities because it’s about typography, animation, photography, film editing, music and everything the author wants to use. Although it also has lots of reuirements such as all the content of credits, the limited time, and introducing the movie catching the viewer’s attention.
This work sometimes leads to a real masterpiece and at The Art of Titles Ian and Alex collect them trying to give the deserved credit to the authors

I remember that when I was a kid I loved the animated sequences at the beginning of some Disney’s movies.
Today, after my studies in film semiotics and a passion that grew during these years I have a keen eye and I got a bit more sofisticated in tastes, but I still enjoy playful, original title sequences.
Sometimes it’s enough a subtle approach using some particular typography or otherwise making words the most significant element.
Sometimes illustrations and animations are prominent and they introduce us in a tale.
Either way originality is key.

Usually, for anyone who has seen it, one of the first title that comes to mind is “Catch Me If You Can”. It introduce the film in a very didascalic way, showing us a mini-story and integrating wonderful illustrations with beatiful typography.
The Art of Title’s movie review

If you like the genre check also Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ sequence. More retro and maybe more effective giving an hint of the idea at the very basis of the movie.
The Art of Titles’ movie review

A different approach is the opening sequence of Fight Club which is really smart explaining a lot of the movie even if we can’t guess it yet. Probably at first you won’t even guess that you’re in a brain until the path leads out of Edward Northon’s head through the barrel of the gun.
Great CGI that is used again in other beatiful sequences during the movie. My favourite is when the protagonist narrates how the flat exploded. A good partner of images in the whole movie other then just in the title sequence is a perfect use of music — frantic and powerful.
The Art of Titles’ Fight Club review

Looking for something more classy I have to mention The Fall. The movie it self is a piece of fine art and the title sequence is up to the job. Stunning photography, impressive typography and all lead by Beethoven score.
When I saw the movie a few month ago I watched the closing credits waiting to see the name of the graphic, Stefan G. Bucher, because I wanted to know more about his work. I’m glad to see The Fall in TAOT archive and that they feature as well a good interview with Bucher. He also has a nice site, check it: www.344design.com
The Art of Titles’ movie review

I see they miss some interesting films so it will be my duty to suggest them and you the opening titles of The Snatch (very good to recall retro tv-serials and present the characters), Monthy Python and The Holy Graal (really funny mocking the viewer while also adressing directly to him) and the unconventional Le Mépris by Godard which has no text at all, all the credits are read by an actress while she is followed by a dolly and it ends interpellating the viewer. Art.

There’s also a lot of material from italian authors, make sure to check them!

My opinion is that too often I get bored feeling I’m wasting the few minutes that anticipate the beginning of a movie and I much rather prefer to be smartly entertained. These artists go the extra mile.
Ian and Alex’s The Art of Title Sequences should be in your feed as a regular source of inspiration.

I strongly suggest you also chek the new Danny yount’s show-reel on Vimeo. It features some of the best titles sequences (some reviewed here) with Venetian Snares music as soundtrack. Dope.

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