In this post I shall be exploring the genre and atmosphere of the amazing movie, Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and how the titles portray this.

The title is separated into segments, with each one transitioning with some sort of relevance to the last.We start with a very mysterious mood, a black screen and a bouncing red ball, with brass orchestral music playing in the background, giving a cheeky feel. The general mood of mystery is carried throughout the titles, with the surreal abstract visual style used in each of the segments.

The audience can tell it is a magical story, shown by usually inanimate objects moving by their own accord, and we are shown the cheerful, childish mood with the effective use of bright primary colours. This can relate to the main theme of the movie, grown-ups overcoming the delusions of adulthood and realising the world around them isn't so black and white, shown by the constant use of bright colours. The genre of this film can be classed as a Family film, as, shown in the titles, it can be both entertaining for kids, but allow parents to think deeper about this seemingly childish movie, and realise the true meanings behind it.

This movie is one of my all time favourites. It shows us the story of Molly Mahoney, a composer, and manager of the spectacular "Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium".


The title sequence is completely animated, with each of the shots "foreshadowing key pieces of the plot with subtle detail, while never breaking from the tone of the film." For example, when Dustin Hoffman's (Mr Magorium's) name is shown, it shows him resembling Albert Einstein, hinting to the audience that he himself is a genius.

The titles start simply with a black screen, and a bouncing red ball, which then transition into an array of scenes containing toy packaging from the 40-60's, colour, plot references, and the motif of the red ball, a flying paper plane, and zebra print. The fact that the titles reflect the film shows how they link to the film as a whole. It gives us a brief understanding of characters, and subtle references to events in the film itself, without ruining the experience for the audience.

I adore this film, and the title sequence alike. I think this is because of the apparent randomness we see, but upon a closer focus, we find that this collection of seemingly unrelated things, is in fact one, huge, chaotic overture for this superb movie.

Visit http://www.watchthetitles.com/articles/0078-Mr_Magoriums_Wonder_Emporium to have a look at it yourself, and see how many plot references you can pick up on. You'd be surprised.

I have made up my mind. My title that I am studying is.......

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD!!!

The following posts will track my progress in my studies. Stay tuned for more updates!


*EDIT*

I have been thinking and I'm thinking, for assesment purposes, Scott Pilgrim wouldn't be my best option. Instead I have chosen

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

I will get moving with my other required posts ASAP.  

Well then, I've been searching around, looking for amazing title sequences, and after narrowing it down EXTENSIVELY, I have finally reached a "Top 5".
The following are my Top Contenders:

• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
• Apocalypse Now!
• It Might Get Loud
• Monsters Inc.
• Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium

I'm pretty sure I've made a decision, but I will think more about it tonight.