Title Design: The Making of Movie Titles By Dan Perri
https://youtu.be/Ggw8Gqi4-Z0?si=9KJ1ZOQA2H5Td149
Title sequences are more than just text on a screen—they set the tone for the entire film. Every detail, from typography to movement, influences how the audience perceives what they’re about to watch. Dan Perri’s insights on title design highlight the importance of these choices, as even small adjustments can change the mood, pacing, and expectations of a film.
For example, a thin, delicate typeface can feel elegant, fragile, or even eerie, depending on its context. A film like Black Swan uses refined, almost brittle typography to reflect the psychological tension of the story. In contrast, bold, blocky lettering often conveys strength and intensity, as seen in the title sequence of Rocky, where the heavyweight typography matches the film’s gritty, determined spirit.
Shadows and outlines add depth, making text stand out or creating a sense of unease. A shadowed title can suggest mystery or an ominous presence, while an outlined font might feel more graphic and stylized, reminiscent of classic comic books or vintage posters.
The size of the text also plays a crucial role. Small, subtle lettering can feel intimate or restrained, while oversized text demands attention. Se7en uses small, jittery typography that flickers and scratches onto the screen, reinforcing the film’s unsettling and chaotic atmosphere. Meanwhile, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood embraces large, bold lettering reminiscent of classic Hollywood, immediately transporting the viewer to a different era.
Movement further enhances the emotional impact of a title. Fast, sudden motion can create excitement or tension, while slow, steady movement can feel dramatic or meditative. A film like Catch Me If You Can uses sleek, animated typography that moves dynamically across the screen, capturing the energy of a cat-and-mouse chase. On the other hand, The Shining features an eerily slow crawl of text against a vast landscape, building an unsettling sense of dread before the film even begins.
Just as music influences how a scene is perceived, title design is a powerful storytelling tool. Every choice—font, size, speed, or effect—shapes the audience’s expectations, setting the stage for the story to unfold.
The title sequence of Call Me by Your Name perfectly complements the film’s nostalgic and intimate tone. The handwritten-style typography, with its golden, textured strokes, feels organic and personal—like a note scribbled in a journal. It appears over a montage of sunlit photographs and artefacts, blending seamlessly with the film’s warm, hazy aesthetic. This subtle approach reinforces themes of memory and fleeting summer romance.
The end credits are equally evocative. Instead of a standard fade-out, they unfold over a lingering close-up of Elio’s face by the fireplace, accompanied by Sufjan Stevens’ “Visions of Gideon.”
Introduction to change in time
The title design of The Florida Project reflects childhood wonder with its playful, handwritten-style font. It feels personal and warm, like a child’s scrawl, reinforcing the film’s themes of innocence and imagination. This casual lettering contrasts with the film’s harsh realities, capturing both joy and underlying melancholy.
