Saul Bass born in 1920 was an American graphic designer and film maker who came up with imaginative way of film title sequences. He was a pioneer of the modern title sequence designing. He was also an Oscar award winning film maker who inspired many with his creative motion pictures and was seen as a much more modern maker of the time. His wife Elaine Bass worked along side Saul for 40 years being a title sequence maker, graphic designer and film maker. Together they developed multiple projects for high end people and massive film makers within the industry such as Martin Scorsese, Danny Devito, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubreck, Otto Preminger and more.
This is an example of their work:
Saul Bass/ Elaine Bass (Alfred Hitchcocks psycho) opening title sequence:
Information on psycho:
year - 1960
studio - Shamley productions
director - Alfred Hitchcock
Opening title sequence by Saul and Elaine bass that doesn't give away the narrative:
The film psycho was based upon the real life killings of Wisconsin series murderer Ed Gein. Its full of bursts of violence and the gore of these killings. The opening title sequence is supposed to reflect the mood and atmosphere of the film. For example the choice of the dark color palette; connotes the harsh negative ideologies that this film includes. It is almost a warning to the target audience that this sequence will be dark and not something that is stereotypically 'happy'.
The font in which they have used is sharp and bold again communicating those 'quick' and 'sharp' ideologies. Within this opening title sequence it just uses lines and a dark color palette to communicate the mood of this film. The reason I picked this was because it didn't have anything that properly gave away the film which I felt was effective as it built the tensions of what is about to happen. It is a tension filled film with key moments of scaring and thrill. So I feel like the quick moving dark lines will connote this effectively. It juxtaposes the film with its simpleness.
opening scene that reflects the narrative more: West side story
Information on West side story:
year - 2005
studio - 20th century studios
director - Stephen Spielburg
Within west side story this opening title sequence was a lot more reflective of the narrative, atmosphere and mood. The use of the wall background that is covered in graffiti and chalk (of the characters names and actors names). This reflects the rough lifestyle that the characters of west side story live. The color scheme is dark and connotes the masculinity of both groups, as well as reflected the movie and narrative itself.
The font of the text is like it was personally written and doesn't look professional. This is reflective of the unprofessional way and the gangs. In general Movies started to change the way their opening title sequence looked after Saul and Elaine bass's creations due to they creativity and new designs. It was quick moving which reflected the quick moving narrative, and overall was different to the psycho opening title sequence. Overall Saul Bass and Elaine started a new modern era with title sequences.
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