Title Analysis

Sherlock Holmes

http://www.artofthetitle.com/2010/01/21/sherlock-holmes/

"Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England."

 

This title sequence introduces its audience to the period of the story, the witty and light-hearted feel of Sherlock and Watson when solving their cases, and the strong "brotherly" bond between the two main characters (Holmes &Watson).

Sketched images and titles presented in a hand written font, convey the period. The writing and the page is often messy. This suggests that the film will be fast paced, disorganised and spontanious. After watching the whole film, the audience members re-watching the title sequence or who have read the books, will also understand that the disorganised, spontanious characteristics are that of Sherlock Holmes.

The images used in the title sequence are the main events within the rest of the film.  These show again the witty atmosphere of the film.  (For example, the scene where Sherlock is handcuffed to the bed, naked, with just a pillow to cover himself with).  The image of No. 221 Baker Street, which to readers of Sherlock Holmes, or who generally know, shows us a familiar location within the story.  This connects the viewer to the story, and they become familiar with the characters of Holmes and Watson, and therefore emotionally connect with the characters quicker.

The selected images are used to introduce the main characters and actors of the film, and in doing this, the close friendship of Holmes and Watson.  The images are go from moving images to still frames.  They then transform from clear images to sketched images on parchment or newspaper. This conveys the period of the film, and also introduces us to the idea of note taking, which both Holmes and Watson do within their investigations. 

Personally, I believe it also introduces us to the main spread of information and fear.  Within the film, we learn that Holmes and Watson's main concern is to lower the fear level of London.  At the time, people's main form of gaining information would have been through newspapers and word of mouth.  I believe we are introduced to this idea so that we feel like a Londoner living within the period of Holmes and Watson, and are interested to follow their investigations and see the result.

Also, because we are looking at future scenes within the film, it implies that we are looking back on one of their cases.  Readers of the newspapers would find out the details of their investigations after the events have happen. 

Because the images are placed on a parchment background, most of the colours used within the title sequence are muddy, dull colours.  This suggests the personality of Sherlock. He is continually trying to keep a low profile within society.  Using muddy colours which do not stand out convey the secretive character of Sherlock.

However, reds are used within some of the images.  For instance, the fight scene.  The red could be used because of the blood, however, I feel it is used because it is one of the only scenes where Sherlock is the centre of attention amongst strangers.  Throughout the title sequence, we are shown how Sherlock's personality changes continually throughout the film.