Still on topic, but picking at a specific example... did anyone who saw the trailer (and matching promo posters and Web site) for Signs and then watched the actual film get a bit bummed after the movie started?

The trailers used a crop-circle, clock-hand rotation on the primitive letter "g" in the film's title. When I first saw it, I was really impressed and the execution worked quite well with the dramatic feeling the teasers had. Like the somewhat vague trailers, the typography said a lot without saying anything.

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In contrast, the actual film used a very nice serif to display the main info on the movie (title, actors, director, etc.)... not the look previously used in the trailers. It was complemented by a very memorable score. (Some critics even compared it to Psycho's opening). It wasn't distasteful, but it also wasn't what I expected so I was a bit disappointed at first. However, if I was to be objective and rate them on their own merits, the typesetting -- albeit a little boring -- worked in conjunction with the music to build the suspense. Which, I suppose, could be what they were aiming for.

But considering that they had something really clever to work with, I was surprised to see the trailers' use of type thrown to the wayside when it came to creating the movie's opening credits.

Did anyone else notice this change between the trailer and movie opening credits? Perhaps there is an industry reasoning behind this aside from what I guessed at above, but I still find it peculiar.

Agree --- Signs titles were *terrible* ...

I think Seven's title sequence is terrifically over-rated. If I hear another designer say they wet their pants over this I'm gonna puke.

I enjoyed the Panic Room titles very much --- best thing I've seen in a while, very Saul Bass / Hitchock feeling.

>If I hear another designer say they wet their pants over this I'm gonna puke.

I'm glad I didn't wet my pants ; ) And Iliked the closing credits better.

>Did anyone else notice this change between the trailer and movie opening credits?

I didn't get a chance to see Signs, but I have noticed how opening credits don't match the trailers' typography. And I always feel let down, 'cause the trailers are usually cooler. Maybe there is some sort of marketing reason behind this.

>Did anyone else notice this change between the trailer and movie opening credits?

perfect example of is the trailer vs. opening for unbreakable.

Not for a movie really, but personally I think that the opening sequence for the TV show, Six feet under, is brilliant.

http://www.d-kitchen.com/work/quicktime/320x240/sixf_320_qt.html

>the opening sequence for the TV show, Six feet under, is brilliant.

That makes me wet my pants.

the trailers are usually cooler. Maybe there is some sort of marketing reason behind this.

I think the reason is that most mass-market movies are rather bland. If it weren't for exciting trailers, few people would be curious enough to see 'yet another' multiplex movie.

I think Seven's title sequence is terrifically over-rated.

At the time, though, it was something significantly different than anything else. Plus, it was a good movie.

I enjoyed the Panic Room titles very much

I thought it was the best part of the movie. I honestly haven't seen a lot of good titling (or movies, for that matter) in a while.

>I honestly haven't seen a lot of good titling (or movies, for that matter) in a while.

I can't remember how the opening titles were, but The Royal Tenenbaums had some pretty good graphics throughout the movie. I mean, Futura and pink (the color, not the pop singer). What else can you ask for?. And it's a good movie, so you get a little bit of both.

About the Royal Tenenbaums , I agree, visually the movie was gorgeous.

Also, the crazy and very cool paintings on Eli’s apartment (the cowboy) where done by the very talented Mexican conceptual artist Miguel Calderon.

http://isle.net/~jason/Art/

That's a great tidbit of information.

On the same topic of artists' work having "cameos" in movies. David Carson did a collage for the movie Addicted to Love.

check out the movie classic 'to kill a mockingbird's" opening title sequence. actually, i was turned on to this when kyle cooper showed the audience this one at an aiga conference in nyc a few years back. anyway, the crowd was riveted!

uhmmm....how about the opening sequence for "island of dr. moreau"? does that make anyone's pants funny looking?

>island of dr. moreau"? does that make anyone's pants funny looking?

Yes, but it completely went away after seeing the movie. They should have stopped right then and there after the opening credits.

Another excellent example are the opening credits for Hollow Man. I can't remember who did them, but they were pretty cool.

I recall seeing a presentation by Kyle Cooper (of Imaginary Forces) and remember thinking, "Too bad most of these movies were terrible." Sphere was another good title sequence he did. I was happy to see the nice titles without having to sit through all the bad movies.

yup. i have to agree with armin... that "dr.moreau" movie was pretty bad. in fact i didnt finish the damn thing.

Hey there

This feels kind of funny...

I am a Belgian student and I study Graphic Design in Gent. Accidentaly I found this website. It's is very cool, to know that there are people who talk about these things and who know what a Futura is, super! I am making a paper about typography in movies, about the opening sequens and the ending. (This is very hard for me to explain this in English, but I'me doing the best I can). I was wondering if you could give me any good internet-sites where I can find more about this topic. I would be very greatfull. greets -lot-

Hey Lot, glad to help you out. We have a few discussions on opening titles.

There is also an interesting article over on Typographica about the opening credits of Panic Room. There you can also find some information on Pablo Ferro, one of the best opening title designers.

And I'm sure there is something to be found over at Typophile's forums.

THANX! (a lot)