Title Sequence Research

Hi! Today, I will be looking at three different title sequences, reviewing and analyzing the message and mood behind them. In title sequences, films typically tend to present the studio that created the film, the production company, individual directors/contributors, prominent actors, and the movie title name. While typically done in this order, it may vary based on the movie, and elements that are not included in the title sequence are usually complimented in the end credits instead. Now that you know a brief overview of title sequences, let's see some examples of them in action!

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda is a movie that has resonated with me throughout my childhood. While it is not anything like our ideas for our final project, I figured I would start reviewing a title sequence that has had a personal impact on me. The sequence starts off with a new, dynamic clip of the DreamWorks logo, which fades into the movie title. The sequence then begins a voiceover narration of Po, describing his heroic, exaggerated story of when he defeated an entire army. In just a few seconds, the audience already gains proper information about the protagonist's personality: an optimistic, determined panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. The scene, shot in a cartoon with a 2D appearance, is done on purpose to create this dream-like stance in an animated film while also being able to exaggerate color hues and scale to amplify his distorted fantasy. Overall, this sequence sets the "good vs. evil" theme while portraying the protagonist as a character who is dedicated to becoming a hero like his idols.

Good Burger

Good Burger is a comedic classic, and its hilarious nature is hinted at from the very beginning! Following the Paramount Mountain opening, the sequence introduces the studio, production company, and title using a mustard-like font as the scene portrays a burger being made with numerous faces and designs. This immediately gives off a "goofy vibe," as typical fast food chains would not create these comical effects in their menus. The protagonist visualizes burgers with googly eyes speaking to him, and then he wakes up in his burger-themed bedroom. With these two shots alone, we get to see the protagonist's (an adult) silly, quite childish personality, and this is only reiterated by his interactions/accidents with people on the way to work. As an audience, we already know so much about the protagonist and the overall genre of the movie, and we are barely a few minutes in! These sequences alone already set the upbeat, funny mood that intrigues the target audience, as the credits are continuously attributed.

The Shining

A film more relevant to the genre of my group's project ideas, The Shining's title sequence creates unbearable suspense from the opening seconds! Immediately playing a scary, nervous, sharp melody, the music works excellently with the scenery. Picturing a large lake encompassed by vast mountain ranges and plenty of forest, the setting is quickly established. The camera follows a vehicle on a single-lane road for a few minutes, utilizing a crane/boom to get the most out of these extreme wide shots. The distance between the camera and the car adds to the suspense as it forces the audience to notice how isolated the vehicle is in an area full of nature and lack of life. This lengthy, almost repetitive shot also creates drama as it builds anticipation and suspense for where this car is headed. All-the-while, the production company, director credits, and starring are all mentioned in bold blue letters that seem out of place with the scene, and these credentials are mentioned for the entire 2-3 minute sequence of following the vehicle. It develops a nerve-racking experience for the viewers to be thrilled by from the very beginning of this fantastic horror film.