SAUL BASS

Saul Bass is a specialist in opening sequences and would prove to be a great help and a sufficient point of reference for our final piece. Saul bass (1920 – 1996)

Here are some examples of Saul Bass' work




In the Man With The Golden Arm opening sequence, there is some rather simplistic imagery in use. We see a black and why colour scheme throughout the entirety of the sequence and angular objects being swooping across the frame. The credits are positioned in accordance with the objects with a simple and formal font. This formulates a simple and sophisticated demeanor that perpetuates throughout. However the simplistic object then form the iconic insignia that represents the movie; the crocked arm flowing from on top downwards. This now provides the reason as to why the objects during the majority of the opening sequence were so angular, it was to create a mechanical, manufactured image which symbolizes the Golden Arm.




The opening sequence of Psycho is somewhat fast paced with the erratic nature of how the objects and images are animated. Many stripes glide horizontally eventually making the screen black revealing the simplistic text. This induces a ominous and suspenseful feeling which supports the narrative of the film.
There is also a sense of distortion implemented in the opening sequence when the all-important title of the film 'Psycho' appears. The stripes that dictate the opening sequence applied within the actual text. The row inside the text is slightly shifted from left to right and vise versa which supplements a great amount distortion. This ominous, distorted, suspenseful feeling is amplified by the sheer simplistic nature of the opening sequence.