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10 Favorite Opening Film Credits

BeBopBaby

One Too Many
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1,176
Location
The Rust Belt
FATS88 said:
There was a film that the great Saul Bass did the opening credits for
were there is a black feline
slinking it's way down a city sidewalk,
but having only seen a clip, I don't know the film's title...
but would add that.

Are you describing the opening credits of Cat on a Hot tin Roof?
 

Doctor Strange

I'll Lock Up
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5,242
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Hudson Valley, NY
No need to be upset, kiltie - I'm not surprised that we both responded!

Those of us who first saw the film years ago always knew that shot just as the opening title sequence, even though Welles' fury about it was equally well known amongst film buffs. It wasn't until they restored the film following Welles' notes (maybe 10 years ago?) that you could see that incredible shot without the titles superimposed.
 

KY Gentleman

One Too Many
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1,881
Location
Kentucky
"The Big Chill" had an interesting opening. The friend whose suicide brought all of his college buddies together is prepared for a funeral. Its the only time you see Kevin Costner in the film (he was the corpse) and you never see his face!
 

kiltie

Practically Family
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732
Location
lone star state
Doctor Strange said:
No need to be upset, kiltie - I'm not surprised that we both responded!

Those of us who first saw the film years ago always knew that shot just as the opening title sequence, even though Welles' fury about it was equally well known amongst film buffs. It wasn't until they restored the film following Welles' notes (maybe 10 years ago?) that you could see that incredible shot without the titles superimposed.

I was lucky enough that the first time I saw ToE it was during the re-re-edit revival on the big screen, like you say, about ten years ago. Man, that movie... A whole, WHOLE 'nuther thread.
 

Cricket

Practically Family
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520
Location
Mississippi
In no particular order:

True Romance
Psycho
Raging Bull
Rescuers Down Under, yes Lady Day you rock!
Se7en
Catch Me if You Can
Sweeney Todd
Reservoir Dogs (probably my fave)
Fight Club
Casino
L.A. Confindential
Once Upon a Time in the West

and the list could go on.

Great thread Lady Day!
 

vitanola

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,254
Location
Gopher Prairie, MI
"Piccadilly", the 1929 Anna May Wong / Gilda Gray backstager.

The opening shot is of traffic on the Piccadilly Circus, with the credits being advertisements on the sides of the London Busses which pass the camera.
 

FATS88

One of the Regulars
Messages
111
Location
FRISCO
BeBopBaby said:
Are you describing the opening credits of Cat on a Hot tin Roof?

I don't think so, because the clip was B&W.
I have seen Cat on... or, I should say; I was in the same room
the tv was while my Mother watched it, I was probably 5, or 6.
 

Ethan Bentley

One Too Many
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1,225
Location
The New Forest, Hampshire, UK
HadleyH said:
Yes, Dr.No and all the James Bond films. These are the only opening films credits that stuck in my mind. I can't remember any others.

Especially On Her Majesty's Secret Service - all of the ex villains and Bond lovelies going through an hour glass.

And , although not just the opening credit but the opening scene too of The Spy Who Love Me, skiing of the cliff, the climax and then falling into the women hands AND Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better".
 

Edward

Bartender
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25,071
Location
London, UK
Hmnn.... the ones that spring to mind for me aren't exactly vintage in the main, but....

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Cry Baby

Trainspotting

Reservoir Dogs

Rock and Roll High School

More will probably occur to me later....
 

kiltie

Practically Family
Messages
732
Location
lone star state
Edward said:
Hmnn.... the ones that spring to mind for me aren't exactly vintage in the main, but....

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Cry Baby

Trainspotting

Reservoir Dogs

Rock and Roll High School

More will probably occur to me later....

Attaboy!
Rocky Horror: as soon as I read it, "...Science fiction, double feature..." popped into my head with the BIG RED LIPS. That is a memorable opening credit sequence.
AND
Rock and Roll High School
AND
Cry Baby on the same list. Shameless!!! ...but in a good way...:eusa_clap
 

BruceTracy

One of the Regulars
Messages
103
Location
Columbus, OH
ortega76 said:
Highlander
I love Queen's Princes of the Universe (it also makes me thoroughly enjoy the opening titles of the Highlander TV series, and you hear even more of the song in the TV series opening too :))

ortega76 said:
Pulp Fiction
I love the music that plays during the titles of Pulp Fiction but have no idea what the piece of music is called. Does anyone here know? I would love to have it on my iPod.
 

BruceTracy

One of the Regulars
Messages
103
Location
Columbus, OH
Batman (1989)
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (thanks for reminding me Lady Day :eusa_clap )
(R.I.P. Shirley Walker :( )

Batman Forever

Casino Royale (2006) (I actually enjoy the opening titles and song more than the rest of the movie. lol)

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Spider-Man 2 (Awesome paintings by Alex Ross :eusa_clap )

The Shadow (1994)

Rocky III (I'm not sure if this counts since it isn't technically a title sequence, but it's at the very beginning of the movie. I love the song eye of the Tiger. :eusa_clap )
 

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