personal development plans: Title sequences

I'm trying not to think to hard about what i'm doing just yet, I did have a few films in mind that i'd have liked to try....but the time limit wont be suitable for them so i'm still mulling a few over.

I just thought i'd look at some of my DVDs and pick out some title sequences which I found (/continue to find) particularly effective.....

Creepshow 2

The movie is a collection of short horror stories presented by a crypt keeper (Tom Savini...hehe) with the overall package being that of a comic book style, the opening titles show pages of a comic showing scenes from the coming film....preparing the viewer for what is in store yet not to an extent that the story is spoiled. Naturally the typography of the sequence is in the style of a comic book and the music sets the tone and sequence eases the audience comfortably into the film.

Jason and the Argonauts

Whilst this is again a fairly simple sequence with the camera panning across the canvas, it does the job well in setting the mood as the artwork (coupled with ancient greek typography) displays scenes of what is to be expected in the following film and the addition of Bernard Herrman's amazing score makes it complete.

Run Lola Run

A fast-paced and interesting movie from Germany, the title sequence begins with an animated version of the main character running through a seemingly endless tunnel making her way through various obstacles.....this is pretty much the feel of the film itself and the music is consistant throughout not only the title sequence but the full movie aswell so the continuation is not stuttered by any loss of pace.
The sequence then changes to a kind of police line-up of the main cast of the coming film changing from animation to photography, yet the accompanying text is still creatively animated in a series of ways. Brilliant.

[ Skip to about 2:25 ]

Mannequin

Another animated title sequence, one of which has always been a fond favourite since my childhood. The film is a romantic comedy and the sequence clearly reflects the uplifting pace at which is plays out, the film is about an Egyptian who prays to god to send her to a time where she will find true love rather than stay in the bind of an arranged marriage....the title sequence plays an integral part in this as it takes the character from Ancient Egypt right through to the present day presenting the passing of ages with clocks and showing various key moments in time. The sequence ends with the character being transformed into a mannequin at which point the film begins, the sequence has by this point given the viewer an brief introduction into this character and the idea that she has been on a very long adventure through time.

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My last post made me remember the title sequence for Ironside, so i'll post that....it's one classic sequence. If you like Kill Bill you'll definately like it, direct reference right here.