1. Title Sequence Essay
Title Sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their
title, key production and cast members, or all three by utilising conceptual visuals, sound,
shots and sometimes computer generated images. I will be looking at four film title
sequences from The Damned United (2009), Shrek (2001), North by Northwest (1959) and
Goldfinger (1964).
The Damned United is a sports drama film. The film is centred around Brian Clough's failed
tenure as Leeds United (lasting 44 days), Clough's successes and failures at Derby County
and his love/hate relationship with assistant Peter Taylor. The opening title sequence of The
Damned United serves as a prologue to the film detailing the short-term events which are
the cause of what is to transpire in the film. The sequence begins with a black screen and
white lettering detailing the main production companies involved with the films production
with the infamous chant “Glory, Glory Leeds United” signifying that the film will revolve
around Leeds United. The sequence then cuts to archival footage of Leeds United's
Championship season of 73-74 particularly excellent goals and moments of physical
aggression with commentary detailing how disliked Leeds are despite their dominance.
There is also archival footage of England’s failure to qualify for the 1974 World Cup before
ending with the caption “There is only one obvious choice” before an establishing shot of
Elland Road (the home ground of Leeds United) with The Damned United. Despite this
being the most modern film I used, the title sequence is almost entirely made up of archival
footage. Whilst the title sequence of Goldfinger also uses archival footage, The Damned
United does not reveal any main characters in the sequence and does not credit members of
cast and production unlike the Goldfinger title sequence. It is also the only sequence of the
three situation films which does not have raw footage e.g. whilst North by Northwest and
Goldfinger contain film of actual people being filmed, the Damned United does not.
Shrek is a computer animated family film. The film is loosely based on William Steig's fairy
tale picture book “Shrek!”. The opening title sequence of Shrek is the only one of the four
sequences which is entirely animated. The sequence itself begins with a voice-over of Shrek
reading from a book detailing the story behind the plot. Then Shrek exits his lavatory and
goes through his morning routine through which the four main cast members are shown to
the song “All-Star” by Smash Mouth. This song is jovial and sets a positive tone for the
sequence and indicates that the feature film will be light-hearted. The computer animation is
utilised by manipulating various aspects of Shreks environment to form names e.g. when
Shrek pulls a fish out of the pond, the pondweed circulates to form the name Camren Diaz.
The sequence also cuts from Shreks swamp to a group of poachers preparing to hunt him.
This is done to show how unaffected Shrek is as when they're are shots of poachers getting
pitchforks (an offensive weapon), Shrek is seen lifting up a spoon. The peasant like clothing
suggests that Shrek is based in a medieval era which makes it the oldest sequence in terms
of period of setting despite it using modern technology.
North by Northwest is an American Thriller film. The film is set in 1959 New York and is a
tale of mistaken identity, with an innocent man pursued across the United States by agents
of a mysterious organization who want to stop his interference in their plans to smuggle out
microfilm containing government secrets. The title sequence for North by Northwest is
renowned for having the first title sequence to use kinetic typography (moving text). The

2. sequence itself is the only sequence of the four to use both animation and real-life footage.
The sequence is animated at first. A grid is eventually formed which transitions into a shot
from an office block on a busy New York street whilst the credits roll. The camera cuts to a
bust street with many people heading in different directions signifying rush hour. This is
done to signify that there will be many people who influence the plot of North by
Northwest. Whilst this is happening, the sequence is accompanied Northwest by Northwest
is the oldest title sequence of the four as the film was made in 1959 however the production
values of the sequence are up to a modern standard in terms of quality and is more effective
than The Damned United (the most modern sequence) in engaging the audience.
James bond's Goldfinger is a British spy film. The film was made in 1964 and is based on
the novel of the same name (written by Ian Fleming). From the titles, it is indicated that
Bond will be faced with a villain who goes by the name “Goldfinger”. It is also indicated
that Bonds love interest is a Pussy Galore. The sequence begins with the iconic shot of the
gun shot from James Bond and the slow descent of a red tint (similar to dripping blood).
The sequence then changes to a golden hand to the song “Goldfinger”. There are many shots
of this golden woman with archival footage of the characters including Bond, Pussy Galore
and Auric Goldfinger on her body. This continues through the remainder of the sequence.
The sequence features clips of all James Bond films thus far projected on Margaret Nolan's
body. Its design was inspired by seeing light projecting on people's bodies as they got up
and left a cinema. This sequence is the longest of the four sequences and like North by
Northwest, details most production companies, cast and others involved in the making of the
film. It was also seen as a pioneer sequence with regard to featuring women in a sexual
manner.
To conclude, title sequences are an integral part of film when building up tension and
explaining the plot, particularly in the four films highlighted. Each film utilises different
techniques ranging from kinetic typography, to computer animation, to use of archival
footage. Despite the 50 year gap from North by Northwest to The Damned United,
techniques used in the 50's for title sequences still apply in modern film.
Joe Egan