A matter of preference, some directors have a minimal (or no) reminder that a film is beginning to unfold, but the vast majority of features today incorporate some sort of opening titles credits to highlight those involved and grab one’s attention. For those curious about the history of these designs, a video essay is here to provide an overview.
Coming from Nora Thös and Damian Pérez, who made the video while studying at BTK University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, The Film Before the Film takes 11 minutes (9, without credits) to explore the evolution. Beginning with Thomas Edison, they then go into the introductions to early studio pictures. The video also explores Saul Bass‘ inventive designs, among others, leading all the way up to David Fincher and Gaspar Noe. Check it out below with a hat tip to /Film, as well as some of our favorite title sequences.
What’s your favorite opening titles?