Saul bassA revolution in the film advertising industry

“Design is thinking”

Saul Bass, born in New York in the roaring

1920s he developed a slight sophistication due

to the world-class metropolis that is the big

apple. Where dreams were made, his started in

New York’s Art Student League. His adoration

for graphic designing led him to flourish into

freelance designing, despite a major World War

was existing.

His move to Los Angeles to established his

career, he rose the bar of great art – even

though his work was very simplistic. He enticed

the magic between imagery, typography motion

picture and iconic soundtracking; his

revolutionary work left filmmakers in complete

awe. He kept them on their feet with constant

portrayal of theme, atmosphere and story line

through a two minute or less title sequence.

Catalyst of great art

Whilst he was alive, you would most certainly approach Saul Bass to create

exquisite and elegant art to include in your movie. His most identifiable work

includes: Psycho, Goodfellas, Spartacus and Vertigo. With over sixty plus

decadent projects in his portfolio, he was truly an excellent graphic

designers.

He really inspired a nation and his legacy still lives on, influencing many

people to create iconic title sequences is what he done best. His famous

quote, “Symbolize and summaries” initially identifies what a good title

sequence should do; giving an insight into the movies story line, creating a

persuading enigma that’ll attract millions just like he done. He perfected the

art, he wanted “everything we do to be beautiful” which really portrays his

work ethic and motivation.

He worked with Otto Preminger, who was closely worked with for over twenty

years. He also collaborated with iconic filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick,

Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese.

Impressive, intelligent and

iconicMovies in the twenty-first century pay homage to the late and great Saul

Bass. Movies like Monsters Inc. by Disney includes a very similar title

sequence to Bass’ work; it includes bending lines, angled text and

sensational color coordinating. Especially, if you look at the screenshots of

both title sequences you can see very similar aspects, with inspiration from

Saul Bass.

Even major directors of our time Steven Spielberg included very Saul Bass-

esque title / credit sequences.

Disney’s “Monster’s Inc.”

2001

Saul Bass’ “Not With My Wife, You

Don’t!”

1966

North by north west

North by north West

Bass’ easily recognizable work is prominent in his

1950’s work of “North By North West”. His themes are

consistent, he uses angled typography throughout

with abstract lines that fade into a skyscraper. The

gives an insight to the story line, on the streets of

New York city is where this movie will be set. The

beginning of the title sequence follows a green color

coordinated theme, it’s not unusual for Saul Bass to

follow a certain theme as he does it with every project

he approaches.

Even the movie poster he designed for this movie

shows the abstract lines, he seems to adore for this

movie. The bold and impacting colours of red and

black is eye-catching and yet hold connotations of

darkness and danger.

Not with my wife, you

don’t!

Not with my wife, you

don’t!

You can see from the Monster’s Inc. title

sequence the semblance, the uses of

rectangles, funky font and bright colours.