Module: Motion Graphic Design (CC2222)

This task is about researching on various opening or closing title sequence of which we had to select one we find fascinating. After that, we were to do the analysis of the title sequence we selected and discuss briefly how it relates to the movie. The discussion must include the narrative of the title sequence, the elements, background music used, the transitions and effects, and so on.

To start off, I chose the closing title sequence of Suicide Squad (2016) which was the work of Buddha Jones.

Movie: Suicide Squad (2016)

End Credits Motion Graphics: Buddha Jones

Warner Bros' movies are popular and often completed with post-credits scene. Hence, Suicide Squad is one of their movies which also has that post-credits scene. That can be one of the reasons its closing title sequence is done attractively and intimidating. So as to say that to not bore the audience to stay or wait for the post-credits scene. Other than that, people who did the hard work making the movie a success needs appreciation too. Thus, by making the closing title sequence fascinating can make the audience's attention fixed to what is played on the screen which in other words directly or indirectly appreciated since their names are read.

As the movie ended and paused at Harley Quinn and Joker hugging each other which was after Joker saved Harley Quinn out of Belle Reve, their close ups were outlined in colourful neon lights. Typically green and red-purple; green hair of Joker and shirt, lipstick and makeup of Harley Quinn. They are like the main or favourite couple in the movie, well besides June Moone (Enchantress) and Rick Flag. So, this scene is like the highlight of the favourite couple that continues to do what they have been doing or might be a hint of the sequel that they will appear together again. Other than that, the neon lights are like the signature and theme of the Suicide Squad which has been recurring throughout the movie. The background music is Heathens by Twentyone Pilots which is the soundtrack for the movie. Interestingly it started with "all my friends are heathens, take it slow". It is like to emphasize that the team (suicide squad) is a team and they be friends and got each other's back, they are beings too (how to say for Diablo and Killer Croc though) that wants to live normally. Well, the dialogue or lyric in the background music is not clearly spoken but we all know it sings "all my friends are heathens, take it slow" since it was also up on MTV, Youtube and anywhere else.

After the couple's outline zoomed out to faded black, the first name to be displayed is David Ayer. It says that this person has written and directed the movie. The closing title sequence just like the neon lights are colourful and complements each other. As can be seen in the above picture, there are cards and rocks flying and as if the gravity is pulling them in. The rocks are to insinuate from the doings of enchantress and maybe from the final fight where the buildings or landscapes are broken into rocks (or should I say pieces?). Joker can be found in card decks. Therefore, the flying cards are meant to suggest Joker's appearance in the movie and his jokes and traps. That one card on the top left is Joker's face so bingo!

Next, the picture below shows the names of the producers. The typeface used for the credits however also contain meanings. The typeface is considerably bold and produced in 3D, coloured in gray looking a bit metallic. To me, the typeface suggests the feeling of power, action genre and I also feel like it refers to the structure of the sets such as the colour of the cell or cage. Also in this picture, there are texts of HA HA HA HA HA HA HA which obviously refers to Joker's laughter. Whereas the helmet and other weapons shows the guards and soldiers in the movie and that big teeth is implying the teeth of Killer Croc. So, the title sequence keep on showing the stuff of the characters in the movie to make the audience's memory of the characters sharper which can be seen in the next two pictures below.

Then, there is a cell or cage with a TIL DEATH DO US PART. First, the cell is referring back to the major members of the suicide squad team which are locked in there, especially Harley Quinn. Since Harley has her man whom she truly is into, thus emphasizing only death can do them part. It also shows the vast amount of love and affection that the couple have, of if not, Harley's to Joker. On top of that, it is stated Belle Reve on the cage. This is the place the major members of the team are being kept.

What is more is that, the transition effects are mostly in a zoom in or out manner as if we are in a tunnel and it keeps looping. This reminds the scenes of flashbacks and also the glimpse of the future or what they want as telephatized by enchantress. Moreover, there are so many weapons and other stuff that can flying throughout the title sequence of which most of them are what can be seen from or at least related. For instance, the syringes imply the past profession of Harley Quinn who was a therapist (previously named Dr. Harleen Quinzel) and also how the main members of the team are used for experimentation. While spiky wire-looking tells they are in  a dangerous mission which is why they are named 'Suicide" squad. The sound effects here are like missiles projectile, telling there are explosives and such in the movie.

Following that is the sequence of the main characters. It is easy to get the meaning though since it is made obvious so as to make people "oh he is the actor" of this and that character. Like Will Smith, he is playing Deadshot, he appears the most frequent in the movie, leader-like and first main character or hero. Thus, his name is first to be shown for the characters' part. Also, realize that what I meant by obvious is that the weapons and stuff of the character he is playing is shown when his name is displayed; guns and bullets shot.

Same goes to the other actors and actresses.

In order of the images:

Jared Leto = Joker

Margot Robbie = Harley Quinn

Joel Kinnaman = Rick Flag

Viola Davis = Amanda Waller

Jai Courtney = Captain Boomerang

Jay Hernandez = Diablo

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje = Killer Croc

Cara Delevigne = Enchantress

Ike Barinholtz = Griggs

Scott Eastwood = Liutenant GQ Edwards

Adam Beach = Slipknot

Common = Monster T

The sound effects as texts are shown are 'whoosh'. This sounds are telling that the members are doing well in completing their mission in the movie and are really fast in responding to all matters. Again, the squad members' stuff are shown; complete squad (although Diablo died).

Finally, the verse "It looks like you might be one of us" is purposely put in the end of the title sequence. It can imply a new member will be joining the squad. Then there is the laughter of Joker which again tells that Joker will appear in Suicide Squad movies (with s, since there might be sequels). The final scene of the closing title sequence is the suicide squad 'logo' which just acts as a signature or movie title. The face on the Q of the squad is to say that it is indeed suicidal in reflection to what they went through in the movie.