Title Sequences by Saul Bass

Ocean’s Eleven (1960) — Art of the Title


This title sequence introduces us to Las Vegas in an animated form. The shape and colours form bright lights of the Vegas Strip. They are goudy and vibrant celebrating the false lifestyle of partying.

The sequence begins with a count up to 11, from 3 we get the key actors of the film in scoreboard style, representative of the boards set up upon hotels and sites. From there on the lights are shaped freely, almost advertising the freedom that comes with being in Las Vegas, plus the lights and engergetic music of the era creates the image of fun.

From half way the style is changed and empahsises the casino and slot machines which make Vegas famous. Creates a false idea of gaining money because you lose more money than you gain.
The slot machine shows the winning, but when two of the slots hint at two characters in a love affair, the hiding of action gives us an idea of the sleazy ways of the city.

Carmen Jones (1954) — Art of the Title


Though this title sequence does not feature as much animation as most of Saul Bass's title sequences, it is just as effective.

The single rose and deep red flame are simple, symbolic effects that describe the characters without even knowing any information about them. Red can represent many emotions, mainly strong emotions. In this case the red represents -

• Love
• Lust
• Greed
• Betrayal
• Rage

The rose also symbolises Love, especially when red.

Fire is added to represent Carmen's wild nature and passion that another character feels for her.

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) - Art of the Title

 

This title sequence is full of childlike illustrations and slapstick comedy. The title sequence did not have a link to the film, but the tone of the film through colour and character.

Globe used through out is very simplistically drawn. When the globe is changed, actions made to demonstrate the change are very childlike and over dramatic. At 3:34 the globe is cut into a human streamers, just like young children do. The child-like theme was influenced by the take over from Disney hyper-realism to more modern stylised productions.