Titles :: Napolean Dynamite, Aaron Ruell

With Hairybones having recently covered both type and opening sequences recently, it occurred to us that there is a medium where these two forms collide. And that of course, is Titles.

Title sequences are an art form the majority of the movie going public take for granted - a mere introductory interlude before the real action begins.

It will not be lost on Hairybones readers that there is a whole industry and politic behind them. Not only do they set the mood and tone for the film, they are also an exercise in ego - in those involved having their name up in lights and attaining the recognition for all their hard work and fabulous talent.

Titles are of such cultural significance that they are regularly plundered by inspirationally challenged advertising agencies (how many times have you seen the in-situ type from the Panic Room Titles ripped off in a TV commercial?). Yet with the internet's undying ability to elevate the niche, title sequences are now receiving the recognition they deserve by way of a site that celebrates the medium - a site that asks you to forget the film and watch the titles.

Hairybones will leave the in-depth curatorial of titles to others, but offers up this great example created by Aaron Ruell for Napoleon Dynamite. Aaron played Napoleon’s geeky brother Kip in the film. He is also a director in his own right, being responsible for the Comcast advertising campaign that celebrated the much-maligned concrete idiom.

He’s a talented little fella.