Looking At Title Sequences

'Moon' had a very documentary type of opening sequence and is unveiled as something 'corporate' and 'cankerous'. The focus on one character throughout the entire sequence reflects the loneliness and solitary theme that runs throughout the entire film. The titles are blended into the scenes almost as though they are part of the actual set, sometimes placed on the walls and in the sky looking down. This could portray the insanity that the protagonist goes through later on in the film; its almost like they're in his mind. Taking a step back, the title simply sets the scene beautifully allowing the audience to see the daily routine of one man on the surface of the moon. Without revealing too much, Simon Kilroe allows the audience to become aware that the film focuses on only one man but as to why such an environment is empty, is unknown.

'Dexter', the award winning American TV series, has to have one of my favourite opening sequences. The words, 'Dexter' is immediately shown on the screen in blood lettering. Once we realise what Dexters about, we realise he is a blood analyst for the Miami metro police department. However we soon begin to realise he is also a killer who seeks to clean the streets of criminals. The title sequence is very clever as it relates a normal morning routine to Dexter's life and personality. The act of shaving causes Dexter to drip blood in the sink, one drop at a time. Likewise, Dexter cooks his breakfast which includes cutting a blood orange violently and cooking a cut of pork in a hot pan. When he flosses his teeth, he tightly strangles the wire around his finger just like when he ties his shoes conveying the inner violence and 'monster' qualities. This is one clever and effective way to show the genre of a production before it has even started.

'Bored to Death' opening sequence is a unique one. The title is that of a storyboard, telling the audience what happens throughout the movie before the film has even begun. It isn't real people acting out the story but comic like characters who seem to come out of a 1940s comic book. The text embroiders the imagery as shapes and labels. With what sounds like the jingle of loose change, the type scatters and floats to the ground just like turned tree leaves. It is a very unusual sequence as the story is being told simultaneous to the traditional style of presenting the cast to the audience. Moreover, like 'Moon' the  typography blends in with its surroundings, for example, when the executive producer is presented on the door when opened by one of the characters.