Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
A striking three-dimensional effect is
achieved in the seamless title sequences for
True Lies
, a film about a secret agent who
learns about his wife's extramarital affair
and pursues her using intelligence resources
available in his profession, which is a job he
kept secret from her. The title begins with four
faint blue streaks that start to rotate in space
(Fig.
10-22
). As the lines rotate, the flat, planar
letters of the word
true
are revealed. These
letterforms continue to rotate, appearing as
independent cubelike structures, with the
final sequence revealing the letters of the
word
lies
, reversed and appearing in black on
the adjacent surfaces of the structures. This
simple and elegant visual transformation
provides a surprising tension between the two
opposing words of the film's title.
Martin Riggs, the lead character in
the film
Lethal Weapon 3
, finally meets his
match in Lorna Cole, a beautiful but tough
policewoman. Together with his partner,
Roger Murtaugh, the three attempt to expose
the illegal arms racket of a fellow police
officer. The heightened suspense of the film
is established with the visceral image of fire
licking the surface of a calm body of water.
As the flames erupt from left to right along
the screen, typography presenting the names
of the film's stars follows their movement
(Fig.
10-23
). In this film title, the synergistic
relationship between type and image is fully
developed as they move in time and space.
This film title provides an excellent example
of the integration of type into image, unlike
many designs where type is merely added to,
or placed upon, an image.
The time-space orientation of digital
media enables the typographic designer to
add motion, scale change, sequence, and
metamorphosis to alphabet communication.
As demonstrated by the work of Richard
Greenberg, this opens new vistas of expressive
communication.
10-22
Title sequence for the film
True Lies
.
(Designer: Richard Greenberg)
10-23
Title sequence for the film
Lethal Weapon 3
.
(Designer: Richard Greenberg)
