3 Sport Drama Credit Sequences

 Continuing my research on sports dramas, today we'll be analyzing opening credit sequences, looking for any design choices I may incorporate into my own film opening. 

Grand Prix (1966): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkMOAoiGuGc 

    This stands as the oldest film I have reviewed, and yet its opening credit sequence is by no means dated. While the film opens with white text on a black screen, the darkness is revealed to be the exhaust of a Formula One racecar, displaying the film's title. As the credits continue to appear, the cars and their racers seem to get into position; this is supported by the crowd watching with anticipation as the vehicles slowly roll in. Mechanics proceed to tighten bolts, neatly handling organized machinery. All the while, the credits are taking a background role to the film, despite occupying the center of the screen at times. Wherever the focus of the shot is, the text is neatly placed to seamlessly flow into the film. 

This shot of the engine especially resonates with me, as upon one's first viewing, they might overlook the credits entirely. Even with the text center stage, the intricacies of the engine's cylinders are at full display. 

Another interesting design choice is the splitting of the screen, showing the same shot 64 times at most. In one instance, it is done showcasing the exhaust, indicating that all the racers are following a similar protocol. In another, it is used as the mechanics tighten a nut or a screw, representing how the action has been rehearsed and executed countless times. Grand Prix's opening is a great example of how the same techniques can be used for different reasons. Additionally, the credit sequence showcases how text can be seamlessly incorporated into film, even adding to the shots.

Raging Bull (1980): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N4uXfnH2aA  

    Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, revered as a classic in cinema, uses a simple and direct credit sequence. Initially, a black screen is used to show both the production company, the director, and the lead actor. When introducing the lead actor, however, the text says "Robert De Niro in," setting up a transition into the film itself. A slow-motion long shot of a hooded fighter practicing in a boxing ring is displayed, with a large, red text: Raging Bull. The text is designed to stand out - its red coloring contrasts not only against the black and white film, but also the other credits, which are white in color. The shot of the boxer remains for the rest of the sequence, with the credits positioned in between the ropes. This credit sequence shows that purpose can be established without any sort of cuts or movement techniques, as only one shot is utilized throughout the entire scene. The shot is by no means dull; the long shot reveals the movie's protagonist while effectively displaying the credits.

Rocky (1976):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhs9jl3W9P8

    Rocky's credit sequence follows its opening, in which Rocky Balboa (the film's protagonist) can be seen taking a small-scale boxing match. The credits appear as he walks home, occupying areas of less importance to the shot. While the text seems to fit 'less neatly' when compared to the previous titles discussed, there is still some careful thought and consideration into the credits' layout. 

I'm a big fan of this shot, in which a group of people are singing by a barrel fire. The text credits currently obscure Rocky, who is walking down the street towards the group. Once his presence is more noticeable, the credit fades, and the next credits are oriented horizontally to allow for Rocky to occupy the screen. The shots displayed do little to progress the story itself, but help develop the setting and protagonist. While there is frequent movement, the longer shots allow the audience to take in both the visuals and the credits themselves. The credit sequence showcases how the scene's pacing is used to balance the impact of both the text and the shots.