Saul Bass: Title Sequences

In wednesday's lesson we was looking at Saul Bass' work in lesson and examples of how Saul Bass has influenced other people's work. In lesson we watched 'The man with the golden arm' and were picking out how the sequence is relatable to the genre. For example, considering the film contains use of drugs, the white lines may could be trying to suggest the drug use in the film. We also looked at 'West Side Story' with the use of the lines for 5 minutes to create the city at the end. Saul Bass uses colour in that sequence which made it different to 'The Man with the Golden Arm' and the sequence i've begun looking at, Psycho. The colours were bright and created a feel of 'fairytale' and a happy atmosphere which 'The Man with the Golden Arm' didn't do.

Saul Bass' work is easily recognisable due to the lines and pale pastel colours he uses. The lines always flow smoothly throughout the sequence and keep the audience attached to the lines. Saul Bass' work is still a huge influence to title sequences today. For example, Monsters Inc (2001) is influenced by Saul Bass' work with the ongoing lines to make shapes and patterns to make the doors. The Monsters Inc title sequence made by Susan Bradley works well and the Saul Bass influence is noticeable.

After Wednesday's lesson I begun looking at another Saul Bass title sequence, Psycho. Psycho is a horror film from 1960 which is still highly popular. The title sequence is very similar to 'The man with the golden arm' as simple lines are used. In this sequence, dark grey lines are used. In the sequence, it's like the arms are chasing after the text on the screen which relates to the film well. The dark grey lines could also suggest prison aswell as the lines can be seen to look like cell bars. The only time imagery is shown is at the end of the sequence when the film's setting is shown to be set in the city.