Title Sequence Clips

Many successful and memorable films have very unique title sequences, and after watching a variety of them from different genres of film, I have noticed many similar and different features and strategies used to properly introduce and the rest of the film to its audience. Title sequences are just as important as the main film. The film needs a way to hook its audience and pull them into the story. Title sequences do just that.  

Some title sequences are used to surround the audience and make them feel engaged in a movie’s plot and setting. A good example is Pulp Fiction’s title sequence. The sequence is set in a stereotypical diner in the morning, with two odd characters conversing. It then escalates to them holding up in the diner with upbeat surfing music following with opening credits. The atmosphere created by this sequence starts very bland and mediocre, then quickly turns action packed and extravagant. This really wraps around the audience and makes you curious about what this movie is all about. Another example is Saturday Night Fever. The scene focuses on the main character in the 1970s strutting down the streets of New York City to upbeat disco music. This sequence really captures the time period the movie is set in and creates a carefree mood which reflects on the audience since they are relaxing while watching the film. According the article “First Frames: Titles in the Digital Realm” by Miles Merril, “An opening titles sequence generally engages with the big themes of the film and looks at overarching themes and metaphors of the film.” Title sequences such as these really incorporate their film’s theming and atmosphere, like a sales pitch for a product. 

Other title sequences introduce you to the main characters in the film and help familiarize the audience with them. The film Apocalypse Now has a very heavy and dark theme with the sequence showing terrifying images of the Vietnam War and its effects on the main character, who is clearly suffering from PTSD. It makes you feel sympathy towards the soldier and puts the feelings he is going through onto the audience. Also, in What about Bob?, we are introduced to a goldfish in its tank, and then its owner, Bob. We are walked through Bob’s morning and we can immediately see that Bob is a germaphobe and a hypochondriac, among other things. The audience really gets to know Bob and how he might react to events later in the film. 

According to Merril, “[Title] sequences promise excitement that the respective films ultimately deliver on.” A good beginning to a film is crucial to the success of a film, therefore they are just as important as the film itself. These sequences are great examples of how they do indeed promise excitement and pair well with its film, and that’s why they are interesting to me.