The opening title sequence of a movie should invoke the tone of the film, grab your attention and create the anticipation of what’s to come. I recently did a post on most memorable film trailers and now I’m offering up some of the most memorable opening titles.
Vertigo (1958)
Alfred Hitchcock is the “master of suspense” for a myriad of reasons and this opening sequence created by Saul Bass, graphic designer, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker is an epic example of setting the tone and anticipation of what’s to come.
Hitchcock hints at the relationship between James Stewart and Kim Novak by opening on James Stewart’s name above Kim Novak’s lips transitioning into her eyes and the swirling sensation of vertigo. In addition, the beautifully haunting theme music of Bernard Herrmann perfectly sets the suspenseful mood of the film.
Casino Royale (2006)
It’s always dicey when you try to recast an iconic treasure like James Bond. Sean Connery was the only Bond I recognized (although Pierce Brosnan definitely held his own) so, when Daniel Craig was announced to fill Connery’s spot, I was definitely skeptical but quickly became a huge Daniel Craig fan. I think he did a great job of bringing just the right amount of attitude, style, and hotness necessary to carry on the franchise.
Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill through his transition into his 007 status. The opening theme song by Chris Cornell (then-former lead singer of Soundgarden and former lead singer of Audioslave), adds the perfect punctuation with his title song – “You Know My Name!”
⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔
One of the coolest, funniest, most irreverent sequences I think I’ve ever seen are the opening titles for one of my new favorite movies, “Deadpool” (2016).
I call Deadpool the anti-Marvel film because its tone goes against the grain of a typical Marvel movie. Ryan Reynolds was hil-a-ri-ous! Although there was plenty of action, Reynold’s deadpan comedy changed the attitude of the film and was priceless. Talked friends into watching who aren’t Marvel fans and after it was over, loved it and said it was totally not what they expected. If you haven’t, give it a chance. I think you’ll enjoy it.
These are just of few of my favorites. Let me know in the comments those that make your list.
This collection of the works of America’s legendary first African-American filmmakers is the only one of its kind. Funded in part by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, the packaged set includes no fewer than a dozen feature-length films and nearly twice as many shorts and rare fragments. Subject matter includes race issues that went unaddressed by Hollywood for decades.
Spencer Williams (July 14, 1893 – December 13, 1969) was an American actor and filmmaker. He was best known for playing Andy in the Amos ‘n Andy television show and for directing the 1941 race film “The Blood of Jesus”. Williams was a pioneer African-American film producer and director. (Wikipedia)
The Pioneers of African-American Cinema collection includes new digital restorations of over a dozen feature films, plus shorts, fragments, trailers, documentary footage, archival interviews, and audio recordings.
This clip is a scene from Richard Maurice’s ELEVEN P.M. (circa 1928). It is regarded by historian Henry T. Sampson as one of the most outstanding black films of the silent era and is Maurice’s second and only surviving film.
Eleven P. M is one of more than a dozen feature films showcased in Kino Lorber’s five-disc collection PIONEERS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN CINEMA, now available at KinoLorber.com and Amazon.com. Music is by Rob Gal. Mastered from 35mm film elements preserved by the Library of Congress.
Oscar Micheaux
Oscar Devereaux Micheaux(January 2, 1884 – March 25, 1951) was an African American author, film director and independent producer of more than 44 films. Although the short-lived Micheaux Book & Film Company produced some films, he is regarded as the first major African-American feature filmmaker, the most successful African-American filmmaker of the first half of the 20th century and the most prominent producer of race films. He produced both silent films and sound films when the industry changed to incorporate speaking actors. (Wikipedia)
These films and filmmakers deserve to be remembered, honored and explored. Their contributions play a significant role in the development of the American cinema.
For more on the history of African-American Cinema:
I was working on a post the other day and the TV show Nothing but Trailers was on in the background. It got me thinking about some of my all-time favorites and what constitutes a great trailer.
First of all, it can’t just be a series of scenes from the movie. That really irks me! What’s the point of me going if you’ve already given me your best shots? Just lazy.
An excellent trailer peaks your curiosity gets your heart stirring and demands that you’re first in line to see it. An incredible trailer gives you minimal information but builds the anticipation with atmospheric music, punctuation shots, and an ending that elicits the core emotion of the film.
This is the criteria I applied to the following trailers and is the basis for them being some of the most memorable.
◊◊◊◊◊◊
Number One has got to be the 1979 sci-fi classic – Alien. “In space, no one can hear you scream.”
Starring Sigourney Weaver, director Ridley Scott scared the crap out of me and the little boy sitting in front of me at the theater. Oh, and to make matters worse, I was pregnant at the time. Yikes! (if you’ve seen it you understand, if you haven’t, what?? You must!) And my girl Sigourney Weaver showed the world what a badass woman in space looks like.
Sigourney Weaver
This is the epitome of an incredible trailer. Little bits and moments and truly haunting music. My heart was racing and I had no idea of what I’d just seen.
The visuals were outstanding! There was absolutely nothing familiar in the images coming off the screen. The Alien and its accompanying elements were designed by Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger. (I don’t know how he slept with those images in his head) The film received both critical acclaim and box office success, receiving an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
◊◊◊◊◊◊
Number Two is the sci-fi thriller –The Dark Knight (2008) – “Why So Serious?”
First of all, Heath Ledger. Second of all, Heath Ledger!! Even in the trailer, his intensity shines thru. He draws you in and you’re compelled to see more. His Oscar-winning performance was incredible and the most talked about that year.
Ledger almost made a complete sweep of over twenty awards for acting, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Heath Ledger
Unfortunately, we lost him, but his genius as The Joker lives on. Starring Christian Bale as the caped crusader and directed by Christopher Nolan, when I saw this trailer I knew where I was going to be on opening night. Totally lived up to the hype.
◊◊◊◊◊◊
Last, but certainly not least of this compilation is the original master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock’s – Psycho (1960) “…she just goes a little mad sometimes.”
This trailer shows Alfred Hitchcock taught the world just how horror is done. Fits every criterion for an incredible movie trailer and then some. Starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, my heart is racing right now re-visiting this magnificent piece of cinema.
Sir Alfred Hitchcock – (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980)
Hitch’s stylistic trademarks include the use of camera movement that mimics a person’s gaze, forcing viewers to engage in a form of voyeurism. In addition, he framed shots to maximize anxiety, fear, or empathy and used innovative forms of film editing. (Wikipedia)
To quote me, “An incredible trailer gives you minimal information but builds the anticipation with atmospheric music, punctuation shots, and an ending that elicits the core emotion of the film.”
An unquestionable classic!
◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊
Now that I’ve shared some of my faves, I’d love to hear some of yours! 😎
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
This post is Part 2 of Most Quotable Films and features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies.
My family has a lot of fun reciting movies and my children were raised watching and memorizing movie lines.There are way too many quotable films to name, but here goes:
CaddyShack is a raucous joyride of quotes. How could it help be starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray? I don’t know how any of the cast could keep a straight face during filming. One of my favorite scenes is in the pool with the candy bar. Not going to give it away so give it a look-see.😂
Starring Gene Wilder, Clevon Little, Harvey Korman, and Madeline Khan, this Mel Brooks film has to be one of the funniest flicks of all time! It offends everyone and in a past post titled “Too Blazing Hot”, I posed the question if this movie could be made today because of its’ incorrectness in practically every scene. However, this satire of western films lasers in on a myriad of stereotypes and folklore. My husband’s favorite scene was the villains around the campfire. After seeing it he insisted on us returning to the theater for what turned out to be an afternoon of non-stop belly laughs. If you haven’t already, make it a point to see this classic.
Yet another Mel Brooks masterpiece, Young Frankenstein pays homage to the original Frankenstein and its’ sequels. I’m a huge Universal monster fan and was blown away with Brooks’ accuracy in the scenes and references to all the films. Absolute genius!
I’ve only touched on a minuscule number of quotable films. Let me know some of your favorites in the comments!
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
I have two children and raised them to be movie junkies, as well. We frequently have conversations laced with film quotes like – “It doesn’t have to be gold” from the Billy Wilder classic, “Some Like it Hot!” or “Do or do not. There is no try.” from the wise Yoda in “Empire Strikes Back”.
This post features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies. There are way too many to name, but here goes:
Trivia: Marlon Brando boycotted the Academy Awards and turned down his Oscar for Best Actor in protest of the treatment of Native Americans in film and on television. Al Pacino also was a no-show for being nominated as Best Supporting Actor and not Best Actor. He had more screen time so didn’t appreciate the slight.
This Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe comedy vehicle has always been close to my heart because, for its time, was the most subversive film I’d ever seen. And I mean that in a good way! Cross-dressing, gay marriage, it’s brilliant! In my top 5.
Tom Hanks “made his bones” to quote The Godfather in this remarkable cinematic triumph. Forrest Gump will probably go down as one of the most quotable films of all time! “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”.
1939 is considered to be the most amazing year in the motion picture industry for the quality of films and audience attendance. “Gone With the Wind”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “The Wizard of Oz”, which is one of the most beloved works of our time. It continues to tug at our heart strings with every generation.
“Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” Scarecrow
This group is just a sampling of some of the best. Stay tuned for Part Two of the Most Quotable Films. In the meantime:
This controversial 1988 musical comedy-drama was written and directed by Spike Lee and is based in part on Lee’s experiences at Atlanta’s Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. (Spike Lee also has a role as “Half-Pint”, a pledge for Gamma Phi Gamma) It is a story about fraternity and sorority members clashing with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend and also touches upon issues of colorism (discrimination based on skin color) and hair texture bias within the African-American community. The film stars Larry Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tisha Campbell-Martin.
School Daze resonates with me for a couple of reasons, first, as a member of a sorority and second, because of my love of the musical genre, the well-produced dance sequences.
Spike went out on a limb challenging black colleges, politics, and internal racial relations. At the time, some people felt he was airing family business. Discussing subject matter usually not shared with the world at large. Good and bad hair, light skinned vs. dark skinned, social class. Spike touched a nerve on all these issues, garnering mixed revues from audiences.
As a black, sorority girl, I found that Spike was telling truths that I’ve experienced over the course of my life. Skin color, hair texture, and social standing. These are issues we still deal with today. As far as the politics, my college class was very political and our participation ranged from running for our dorm governing counsel to initiating the first black cheerleader. Because we grew up in the 60’s and the civil rights movement we understood that we benefited from the sacrifices of others and it was our responsibility to pay it forward.
But, the bottom line of my enjoyment of this movie is I absolutely loved the production numbers! When the film was made you didn’t see lots of musicals like in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. More serious subjects were generally being portrayed due to the politics of the times. Remember, Nelson Mandela was still in prison and apartheid was full on in South Africa.
Now, let’s check out my very favorite performance – Gamma Rays!
These divas are working it in this dance piece! I can still perform this entire routine and it continues to make me smile. Absolutely fabulous!!
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times noted School Daze’s significance as a film with a “completely black orientation. “All of the characters, good and bad, are black, and all of the character’s references are to each other.” (Wikipedia)
School Daze is relevant, witty, and worth viewing. Two Thumbs Up!
I was thinking about actors who so embodied the role that you forgot the actual actor. The first that immediately came to mind was George Clooney in the Coen Brother’s Academy Award Nominated film –“Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”
George Clooney
Normally my reaction to Clooney is, “wow, he’s so fine!” But, as Ulysses Everett McGill I didn’t ever think about the “fine” George Clooney but instead was mesmerized and cracking up with laughter at lines like “my hair”. Ulysses is a Dapper Dan hair pomade man. (totally obsessed with his hair)
I had no idea he was so freakin’ funny! Who knew? He usually plays fine, hot, strong characters but this time, he went all the way out the box with this incredible performance.
One of my favorite scenes is when he’s at a political benefit concert with his “band” the Soggy Bottom Boys and becomes engrossed in conversation trying to convince his ex-wife (Holly Hunter) to give him a second chance. Just when he is just about to reel her in, he hears the opening line to his (unbeknownst to him) hit song “Constant Sorrow”and without hesitation is back at the mike and crushing it. A man after my own heart. (I’m a community theater veteran:)
Produced, edited, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson, with John Goodman, Holly Hunter, and Charles Durning in supporting roles. Set in 1937 rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, the film’s story is a modern satire loosely based on Homer’s epic poem, Odyssey. The title of the film is a reference to the 1941 film Sullivan’s Travels, in which the protagonist (a director) wants to film a fictional book about the Great Depression called O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Wikipedia)
The film is brilliant and all the actor’s performances are remarkable! “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou” is a dark comedy whose themes touch on poverty, politics and racism. I give it – both thumbs way up.
I am all about the Marvel Universe and I love Tony Stark/Iron Man! I also love the actor Robert Downey, Jr. and see his life in parallel with that of Tony Stark’s.
Even director Jon Favreau saw the parallels with the character as he explained his choice of Robert Downey, Jr. by stating: “Downey wasn’t the most obvious choice, but he understood what makes the character tick. He found a lot of his own life experience in ‘Tony Stark’.”
In “Iron Man”,we meet the reckless, engineering genius, irreverent playboy, and heir to the Stark Industries fortune, Tony Stark. His engineering abilities eventually help him turn his life around and accept responsibility for the weapons of mass destruction he and his late father – Howard Stark have developed.
Robert John Downey Jr. (born April 4, 1965)
Like Stark, Downey is brilliant! I’ve watched his career blossom from the silly bully in Weird Science (1985) to his seemingly real-life story in, Less Than Zero (1987) to his incredible performance in the 1992 film Chaplin, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Robert Downey, Jr as Chaplin
About “Less Than Zero”, Downey has said that for him “the role was like the ghost of Christmas Future” since his drug habit resulted in his becoming an “exaggeration of the character.”
His devolution from a teenage star to his public humiliation as a drug addict brought loss of relationships with pain and heartache to his friends and family. I’ve prayed for him to get his life together and not squander the gift he was given.
Unfortunately, as a child, Downey was “surrounded by drugs”. His father, a drug addict, allowed Downey to use marijuana at age six, an incident which his father has said he now regrets. Downey later stated that drug use became an emotional bond between him and his father: “When my dad and I would do drugs together, it was like him trying to express his love for me in the only way he knew how.” (Wikipedia)
Downey-“Weird Science”
Downey-“Less Than Zero”
Downey-“Chaplin”
At the beginning of “Iron Man”, Tony is actually promoting Stark Industries and his new project the “Jericho” missile. (a rocket-propelled grenade) On a promotional tour in war-torn Afghanistan, Tony Stark is injured and kidnapped by a terrorist group, who want him to produce a copy of his weapon. Angered by the turn of events, he secretly develops the prototype that becomes “Iron Man.” This imposing figure reeks havoc on his captures as Stark/Iron Man escapes. Back home at his lab, we witness the evolution of the look and strength of Iron Man as Tony fashions him into a force for good against those who profit from Stark Industry’s weapons of war.
Robert Downey, Jr. like Tony Stark was forced to face his demons and (according to Downey) turned his life and career around with the help of his family, therapy, meditation, twelve-step recovery programs, yoga and the practice of Wing Chun kung fu. Downey has also credited his wife Susan Levin – Executive Vice President of Production at Joel Silver’s film company and production partner – with helping him overcome his drug and alcohol habits.
Downey and wife Susan
Today, Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, and as an Avenger, is an integral player in the Marvel Studios Universe which is proving to be one of the most profitable franchises in the film industry.
I smile whenever I see Robert or Tony. It feels good watching a fellow spirit not only overcome his challenges but thrive in the arena where we can share and enjoy his talent.
“A lot of people do get out but don’t change. So the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal.” (Vanity Fair)
I’ve been a tv and movie junkie since I was a kid and the intersection of movies and television got me thinking about what tv shows successfully made the leap to the big screen. In my previous post, I celebrated the 50th Anniversary of “Batman”– the classic 60’s tv series. The eventual Warner Bros movie franchise that resulted made “Batman” one of the most accomplished superhero series to make that leap.
Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, Joker
In 1989, Tim Burton set about the challenge of retooling the DC Comics superhero, “Batman” – this update veered away from the “campy” Adam West version and set in motion the money-making Warner Bros Batman films, most notably the “Dark Knight” trilogy.
I remember being in the grocery store when “Batman” (1989) premiered. Standing in line overhearing the chit chat, some people were truly upset that the Keaton movie was nothing like the tv series. They wanted the “pow” and “bam” of the William Dozier inception. I didn’t say anything but my husband is a comic book geek so I knew the real story and it was nothing like the “dynamic duo” of Adam West and Burt Ward. The 60’s classic was based on light-hearted portrayals and over the top villains. The real “Batman” is so far from campy it’s funny.
The film, directed by Tim Burton and produced by Jon Peters was based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the first installment of Warner Bros.’ initial Batman film series. It stars Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, alongside Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, and Jack Palance. The plot is more closely aligned with the comic book as Batman, widely believed to be an urban legend goes to war with a rising criminal mastermind known as “the Joker” (Nicholson).
I felt Keaton brought a vulnerability to the role while focusing on the conflict within. I remember reading an article about Michael Keaton speaking to Jack Nicholson on how to approach the character. Jack being Jack told Keaton to let the mask do the work. Following Nicholson’s advice, Keaton played with his voice’s lower register so the character’s intensity was amplified.
Michael Keaton as Batman (1989)
Director Tim Burton did a tremendous job bringing the “Batman series” back to life. The atmospheric presence of Gotham City created the perfect backdrop for the conflict between “good” vs “evil”. Along with Nicholson providing the maniacal humor,”Batman” couldn’t help but be a hit!
Gotham City
“Batman” was one of the first films to spawn two soundtracks. One of them featured songs written by Prince while the other showcased Danny Elfman’s score. Both were extremely successful. Prince’s soundtrack album was No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart for six consecutive weeks. It has sold over eleven million copies worldwide.
Prince
Burton explained the theme, “the whole film and mythology of the character is a complete duel of the freaks. It’s a fight between two disturbed people”, adding that “The Joker is such a great character because there’s a complete freedom to him. Any character who operates on the outside of society and is deemed a freak and an outcast then has the freedom to do what they want… They are the darker sides of freedom. Insanity is in some scary way the most freedom you can have because you’re not bound by the laws of society”. (Wikipedia)
Jack Nicholson as the “Joker”
The tone and themes of the film were influenced in part by Frank Miller‘s The Dark Knight Returns. Batman was a critical and financial success, earning over $400 million in box office totals. It was the fifth-highest grossing film in history at the time of its release. The film received several Saturn Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination and won an Academy Award.
The American Film Institute anointed Batman the 46th greatest movie hero and the Joker the 45th greatest movie villain on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Heroes and Villains. In 2008, Batman was selected by Empire magazine as number 458 of The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time.
“Batman” initiated the original Batman film series and spawned three sequels: Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997); the latter two of which were directed by Joel Schumacher instead of Burton, and replaced Keaton as Batman with Val Kilmer and George Clooney, respectively.
Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Killmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale
Personally, I feel the franchise wasn’t fully formed until “Batman Begins” (2005) with Christian Bale as the “dark knight”. This and the subsequent sequels delved even deeper into the dark and intense storyline of Bruce Wayne and his inner demons.
Batman Begins (2005)
“Batman Begins“ was co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan and starred Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Morgan Freeman. The film reboots the Batman film series, telling the origin story of the title character (Bale), from his, alter ego Bruce Wayne’s initial fear of bats, the death of his parents, and his journey to become Batman. (Wikipedia)
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography and three BAFTA awards. It is followed by The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) in a continual story-arc, which has later been referred to as The Dark Knight Trilogy. Many consider “Batman Begins” to be one of the best superhero films of its decade.
The Dark Knight in 2008 and The Dark Knight Rises in 2012 (with Bale reprising his role in both films) earned over $1 billion worldwide, making “Batman” the second film franchise (and to date one of only five) to have two of its films earn more than $1 billion worldwide.
Well, I’m totally into this franchise and never miss a new installment in the series. Christian Bale is the man, he’s managed to capture Batman’s intensity with such vigor that the deeper he plunges, the deeper the journey we take with him.
This site is about how to live our life in a meaningful way by accepting complete surrender to the Almighty with purity of mind and character. It is about the eternal religion of the world i.e. Hinduism which is very liberal to anyone because there are many branches or methods to get the divinity to turn our life into an ever blissful one.
Free listening and free download (mp3) chill and down tempo music (album compilation ep single) for free (usually name your price). Full merged styles: trip-hop electro chill-hop instrumental hip-hop ambient lo-fi boombap beatmaking turntablism indie psy dub step d'n'b reggae wave sainte-pop rock alternative cinematic organic classical world jazz soul groove funk balkan .... Discover lots of underground and emerging artists from around the world.
iheartfilm 