Kyle Cooper: Master of the Title Sequence

The use of typography in Kyle Cooper's title sequence for Spiderman 2 is very subtle because the overall composition is so complex. After the initial fifty-five seconds, the type becomes static. Obviously, this was done in order to balance the hierarchy between the imagery and the credits, but it is done so in a way that keeps the sequence interesting and engaging. There is a ton of masking and motion in the sequence, and I feel that if the typography also moved it would be less integrated with the sort of frame based motion. One thing I really like is that the typography never appears in the same place twice, and it also appears in a couple different formats. This helps keep the viewer engaged and interested in the sequence. Sometimes names or roles are left-aligned while other times they are offset. I believe this title sequence encompasses the power of typography in motion graphics while being fully integrated into the piece as a whole.

I find a good deal of inspiration from examining this title sequence as it shows ways in which typography can be positioned and arranged in different ways to remain interesting and hold the viewer's attention. For my own work, I feel I can draw from this sequence if I ever create an intro or title sequence that encompasses a large array of imagery and typography. I do not feel the handling of typography to be very applicable to my kinetic typography project, however, because of the lack of imagery set by the basis of the work. I do admire the transitions and masking effects because of the way the sequence flows together. I also like the fact that Cooper breaks the precedents he sets towards the end of the sequence when the type remains through his frames.