Opening Titles and Song: Life of Pi
Inasmuch as tomorrow is simultaneously the last day of June, representing the final hours of the first-half of the year, as well as the publishing date for the next Duo Post entry, let’s take a gander at one of my most recent favorite opening title sequences. That for Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012). As with the film, the initial credits by yU+co1 in keeping with the visual splendor of the adaptation involving Yann Martel’s bestselling novel.
Rich in the colors and aural setting of India, with its many cultural designs showcased across the screen, the segment succeeded in its creative presentation. The titles make their playful appearance at the start with the frolicsome font, Society Page, chosen to cleverly coalesce within the menagerie’s shifting backdrop. Not to mention move with the captive critters on display as the excerpt meanders the grounds while telling who did what in the film.
Splendidly the sequence kicked off with a sublime song, Pi’s Lullaby, to set the mood. Music by film composer Mychael Danna, who’s made a name for himself with “…his evocative blending of non-western traditions with orchestral and electronic music.” Tamil in nature, with lyrics written and sung by vocalist Bombay Jayashri, it accompanies the various animals’ languid, habitual existence in their Puducherry habitat that, too, gave birth to Pi’s.
Moreover, Ang Lee’s floating director’s credit using Richard Parker’s reflective stroll past was to die for.
- This was the film title sequence design studio’s fifth collaboration with director Ang Lee. ↩
It Rains... You Get Wet 
8 Responses to “Opening Titles and Song: Life of Pi”
Michael, great contribution. I love Life of Pi. Thanks for reminding me about the opening. As an audience member, one feels like they’ve dived into a different world and the music and exotic animals create that feeling.
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Certainly does, Cindy. Good to hear you’re a fan of the film and hope to read your thoughts when we get to tomorrow’s reviews of the book and film. Many thanks. 🙂
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Love titles and enjoyed these from a film I’m yet to see. They started slowly, didn’t they? Like standard iMovie sliding side-entries. But then the subtle little jests crept in. Delightful.
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I echo your deft thoughts on the sequence, Bruce. Maybe tomorrow’s reviews will encourage you to catch it. Thanks, my friend. 🙂
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Oh I definitely remember this! It’s so gorgeous and the song is just perfect, it really transports you into the world depicted in the film.
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Indeed, it does. Thanks, Ruth. 🙂
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Hey speaking of great music, stop over when you get a chance Michael. I just posted a music break from your favorite era 😉
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Will stop by. Thanks.
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