Saul Bass!!

Saul Bass is somewhat of a legend in the film industry. However he was neither a charming, enthrilling actor, or a savvy director. Saul Bass is recognised in the world of film for his trademark speciality.... the title sequences.

It's because of Bass the opening credits of films have evolved into what they are today, all part of the experiance. Bass has been noted saying that title sequences for him, were an oppertunity to create something which would ultimitley enhance the experiance of the audience and contribute the the overall mood and theme of the movie within the opening moments. I think it's safe to say Bass was one of the first to realise the creative potential of the opening and closing credits of a movie.

Bass first became notorius in the industry after creating the title sequence for Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm. I would like to post the video but for some reason I cant seem to find the one I had in mind and the others do not seem to be correct. Anyway, this film was about a jazz musician who struggled with a heroin addicting and so, not afraid of taking risks, Bass made this a prominent feature in the title sequence. The central image was that of an arm which caused controversy, like the film. I like this title sequence because the arm is all contorted and bent in an unpleasent way which adds to the disgusting image which come with the territory of drugs.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jIlqatMQSgI

Above is another title sequence Bass done for Alfred Hitchcocks North By Northwest. I find this one particulary clever as Bass started to employ kinetic typology, which basically means moving text. This allowed the credits to be shot across the screen, almost acting as metaphors for elevators, I also like how the text lays against the building at an angle and not flat on the screen.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YaFNSXRi1R4

Finally, the last title sequence I'm going to look at is one of the most well known films in the world, Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho. It's with this one the I really appreciate how Bass set out to make the title sequence part of the film as Psycho is quite powerful I feel. Again, using kinetic typology, Bass also manipulates the text, cutting it up and shuffling it about, almost creating a sence of confusion, not quite knowing what is going on. However, the thing I find most special about this title sequence is the music, it almost sends a chill down your spine and is very, very effective.

So, now you know what an innotive Saul Bass really was and I personally think he was a brillaint man who brought a lot not only to movies, but to the world.

Ok I think I got the hang of it

After a lot of trial and error I think I'm finally getting the hang of this Blog buisness, hopefully I will soon be uploading our groups continuinity video and writing my 500 words on Saul Bass.

Look forward to it!

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