The development of cinema has allowed opening sequences of films to undergo a significant evolution and development. In its early stages, films were introduced with simple title cards indicating the title, director and leading actors. However, as the popularity of cinema grew, filmmakers began to experiment with various methods to open their films. This experimentation gave rise to the musical overture played before the film started, accompanied by still imagery and artwork that set the tone for the upcoming film.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the opening sequences became more intricate, featuring animated designs and graphics. This was during the Hollywood Golden Age, and studios utilised these sequences to market their brand and create anticipation among their audience.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the opening sequence became an essential component of the film, as filmmakers experimented with new narrative forms. A notable example is the James Bond film series, renowned for their stylised visuals and memorable theme songs.
Today, opening sequences remain an essential element of the cinematic experience, adapting to changing audience expectations. From grandiose Marvel superhero openings to more contemplative art-house films, filmmakers continue to employ new and innovative techniques to captivate audiences from the very beginning.
Film history has seen a major change in title sequences, starting with their introduction in 1897 by Thomas Edison as a means of preventing piracy of his films. However, it wasn't until 1908 that an actor was first credited for their performance, starting the tradition of credits for film stars. Despite this development, title sequences remained relatively plain and consisted of basic text for a long time.
It wasn't until 1955, when graphic designer Saul Bass was assigned the task of designing the title sequence for "The Man with the Golden Arm," that title sequences began to truly evolve. Bass's striking and innovative design set a new standard for title sequences, which went beyond mere text and utilized graphic design to create visually engaging and thought-provoking introductions to films.
One of Bass's most notable works was his title sequence for "Carmen Jones" in 1954, which featured an animated sequence of swirling flames and the film's title, set against a red background. This revolutionary approach to title sequences not only made them visually stunning but also helped to establish the film's tone and themes from the outset, creating a more immersive and engaging cinematic experience.
The history of film openings have therefore created the foundation for what they are today.
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/art/history-of-the-motion-picture/Post-World-War-I-European-cinema
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