Title Sequence Analysis

Title Sequence Analysis: Repo Man

1984 - Alex Cox

Repo Man's Opening Titles

The first thing the viewer sees in this title sequence is the striking red typeface over the black background, introducing the stars of the film. The total absence of noise puts emphasis on this, and the colour red does have implications of danger, albeit subtle ones. This is fitting, as this features car chases, drug use, amongst other things of a similar nature.

The initial, bold typeface

The tone of the titles changes abruptly after this section. The most obvious thing to point out is the music selection; fast punk rock. This is in line with certain elements of the plot of the film itself, as the protagonist, Otto Maddox, is a young punk rocker living in Los Angeles.

The use of such music works nicely with the frantic, fast-paced nature of the main section of the titles themselves, which feature a map of a part of America being rearranged using an interesting editing technique. 

An example of the fast-paced editing technique

The title of the film itself is written in a different typeface, whilst maintaining that dangerous red colour. This typeface looks is wild, messy, as if it had been done in a hurry without a second thought. This perfectly compliments the uncompromising, coarse events of the film and some of the hasty decisions made.

The main title