A new blog I tripped over today takes a unique look at the parts of the movie that most people don’t notice. The credits.

Art of the Title Sequence posts deconstruction of new and old films which have interesting title sequences.

For me, the title sequence sets the pace of the film, and while it might provide background information to catch you up to speed on the main characters like Face/Off and the Rebooted Incredible Hulk, then they become part of the story. But some might be distracting and pull you out of the story offering nothing to keep your attention while obligatory names are flung across the screen.

There are a number of ways we are used to seeing these credits displayed. Sometimes a hovering line of text fades in and out while the movie is already started, sometimes its a grand display. Other times they just don’t work at all.

One of my favourite comedies is Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar. Brilliant film. But the opening credits consist of a small portly plastacine Italian Opera singer giving a jolly performance of Figaro, while words pop up on the “stage” behind him. Boring. Its a good thing that movie rocks.

Then there are visual adventures like Catch Me if you Can, or the retro pop stylings of Superman/Batman: Public Enemies that give us a thrilling visual experience without actually getting into the film at all.

There is always interesting ways to make you want to watch the end credits too. In most recent history The Hangover did a great job with that, revealing all the mysteries of the film in the form of a digital camera that shows what really happened to them on their drunken romp. This was also reminicent of the franchise recap at the end of Lethal Weapon 4.

So what are your favourite opening sequences? Closing credits?

Thanks to First Showing for introducing me to Art of the Title Sequence