The Art of the Title Sequence

The Conversation


A hovering perspective, hypnotic in its descent. Union Square bustles. Through the first transition programmable servo lens, engineered for this very shot, we hone in on a thousand little theaters settling on a disquieting mime. Long reaching shadows breed paranoia as the wondrous sound design is at once jazzy and dissonant, much like Harry Caul himself.

Extras

Image Extra iconCommentary excerpt with editor and sound mixer Walter Murch.

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(From The Conversation DVD)

DETAILS
  • USA
  • 1974
  • Color
  • 1.85:1
  • English


CREDITS

Title Design: Francis Ford Coppola and Walter Murch

Category: Film, News

Tagged: , ,

  • http://thehousethatjackbuilt.wordpress.com William

    My favorite Coppola film. And thank the Lord for Walter Murch! Even though we are instantly (from frame one!) complicit in the world of surveillance, the length of the shot also acts as a nice slope of experience taking us into Caul’s world. And, beautifully, we are observing HIM, not one of his jobs, thus drawing attention to our own act of watching. Considering the film’s themes, how could you do any better than that? Brilliant!

  • Shawn

    So true. One of best films made. It’s a great opening.

  • Lu Nelson

    The idea as described by Murch — If I recall — was to make use of the ultra-long lens that would be the sort of visual equivalent of the long-range microphone; also, it is made possible by the use of a motorized zoom control, something relatively new at the time of the film I believe. Nice use of new technology

  • http://www.abhominal.com Jason

    My favourite movie!

    Has ever an opening sequence set you up so well for the rest of the film?

  • hb

    does anyone know what font that is? thanks!

    • http://www.artofthetitle.com/ Art of the Title

      We believe that it is Gill Sans.

  • Molly

    Anyone know what the typeface used for this sequence is? Love it. 

    • http://www.artofthetitle.com/ Art of the Title

      We believe it is Gill Sans.

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