Another List - Opening Sequences

 Opening credits are a vitally important and much maligned part of any movie, the really help set the tone of the film and can be stunningly clever or frightfully dull, here i will list my 5 all time favorite opening title sequences.

• ARGO; Fantastic movie with a fantastic title sequence, here the title sequence is in a sense a representation of the film itself, with the sequence being a blend of real photographs, and film footage, and hand drawn movie storyboards, setting the scene for the fact that this movie is a blend between reality and fiction, and that although the movie is based on facts and is largely accurate, it is nonetheless a Hollywood representation of the facts, thus the film is a blend, and during the titles, this is referenced by the blend between real life footage, and Hollywood storyboard (see my ARGO review here)

• One Hundred and One Dalmatians; This might seem like an odd addition, however this opening sequence is simply too great to miss out, it is simply perfect, it sets the scene and uses stops which later become musical score, it sets the scene of the movie, featuring London landmarks, and red buses, the score is a light jazzy score reflecting the contemporary setting of the film, the animation is superb and is perfectly in time with the musical cues of the score. Stunning yet fun. (perhaps a fully fledged review is in order, i seem to have a lot to say!)
  

• Casino Royale; This may seem like a surprising addition to some people, however i think that this title sequence is simply great, it is rather literal yet i feel that this works to its advantage, this film is about James Bond and poker, and this sequence portrays James and the themes of the film with card symbols, it sounds a little ridiculous but it is beautiful and showcases geometric patterns and a great  song by Chris Cornell.

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show; There are few so iconic as this, a pair of red lips floating in space singing Science Fiction Double Feature. This disconcerting image is a fabulous opener for what is an equally disconcerting film, and sets the scene for the appearance of Frank and the rest of the gang, and the mayhem that is about to unfold. The sequence is also consistent with this slick and stylized adaptation.

• Juno; This is a good one, a great song and Ellen Page walking through a cartoon world in converses, drinking Sunny Delight, this is a perfect companion to the funny and slightly offbeat film which shines with great music. What is even more amazing is the seamless transition between the sequence and the film, a deft blend in which Juno almost seems to walk from the cartoon into the film, completely flawless!