The Greatest Weapon Most Directors Aren't Using - Part 2

Part Two of my Late Title Card series, where I explain the significance of title cards/sequences and how they can help tell stories in unique and interesting ways.
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[@EntertainTheElk]

Part Two of my Late Title Card Series! What's your favorite example of a Late Title Card?

[@VedM]

nice series

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I can't phantom why the timing of title card give you the desire to burn calories for it.

[@kcmaw3905]

Everything Everywhere All at Once

[@anubusx]

The Omen 1976.

[@IntrinsicNRJ]

The Departed, hands down.

[@trinaq]

Thanks so much for this title card video essay, Adam. "The Turn" variety is a compelling way to signify a shift in the narrative, subverting the audience's expectations. I'll definitely take note of this aspect in future works.

[@EntertainTheElk]

So glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@SpensaVenture]

I loved the title sequences in the GotG movies! James Gunn did it masterfully

[@EntertainTheElk]

All of his title sequences seem to get better and better. The intro to Peacemaker is pretty magical.

[@ombreezee]

I feel like you’d love the recent film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” by your opinions on this video. Its a superb film to say the least, and the title card integration is perfection!

[@EntertainTheElk]

I've heard nothing but great things. I still need to get out and see it.

[@joaobigua]

@@EntertainTheElk have you seen it yet?

[@otisw.8687]

MAKE IT A TRILOGY. MOAR TITLE CARDS. But seriously, Elk, your passion shows in these videos. Keep up the incredible work.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!! Really appreciate you and the kind words.

[@sabastioncarver3743]

Did you see the recent Everything, Everywhere, All at Once? The movie is also broken up into 3 chapters, each titled with one part of the overall title (chapter 1 is "Everything", chapter 2 is "Everywhere"). The first one is relatively early, but the other two come in at crucial turning points in the film

[@just_jedwards]

Great movie. I expected to come out saying something like "that was good but I feel like it could be cut by 30 minutes" or similar as I often do these days but I honestly don't think they wasted a single minute.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I haven't seen it yet but I've heard nothing but stellar reviews. I can't wait to see it!

[@_AF__]

I was about to mention this too. For me I caught on pretty quickly to the title-as-chapters thing, but as the story went on and the narrative and story stakes revealed themselves, it became more like anticipation of the reveal. I could feel that the movie was building to something, and I was thrilled when the emotional arc came full circle. They knocked it out of the park.

[@tenebrousoul9368]

anytime Elk releases a new video, it's like the skies open up and cherubs sing "Hallelujah!"

[@EntertainTheElk]

This comment makes me very happy. :)

[@tenebrousoul9368]

@@EntertainTheElk We're both happy, then. Thanks!

[@cronotrigger1949]

It's very sad that your videos have dropped so much in views, they're great and deserve more attention!

[@EntertainTheElk]

I appreciate that! Trying to find ways to get back to consistent views.

[@Anthony09221]

It's because the they sold put to a studio. Do you notice they are only supporting their own files. You know, the ones that the can use clips from.

[@virginiavanni8061]

Putting "anti-marvel" on the title is a bold move, hope people will watch the video and not just get mad

[@EntertainTheElk]

I already built my channel on angry fanbases with my Day __ Died series. Guess I should just embrace it at this point.

[@Panurus_biarmicus]

Im mad you don't get views on the merrit of the quality of your videos..

[@irishjet2687]

@@Panurus_biarmicus I agree Entertain the Elk should have more views, but gaining views based solely on the merit of a video is impossible. As with any medium, KZbin videos have a cover: the thumbnail, and title and channel name. If you're at the library, and you're choosing between two books, you have to base your decision on the information you have. Do you recognize the authors? Have you read their previous works, and did you like them? Did someone recommend this book to you? Those are all reasons to check out a book outside of its branding (and arguably, the name of the author can be a big part of the branding). Beyond that, it usually comes down to the cover, the title, the subject and genre, the short description on the back or on the cover insert, the fawning quotes from newspapers and people. So why should KZbin videos be any different? Now, I'm not saying Elk doesn't do that well (quite the contrary). But in general, branding and presentation DO matter, will ALWAYS matter, and really SHOULD matter.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Just gotta change my way of thinking.

[@EntertainTheElk]

You're absolutely right. I'm trying to get better at this. It was easier 4-5 years ago, but now so much thinking has to go into the title and thumbnail. It breeds that "clickbait" thinking which sucks but I guess is part of the game now. Veritasium did a stellar video on this and changed the way I'm going to approach this moving forward. Hopefully it'll help!

[@oops6876]

I’m not even sure why it stuck out, but seeing the Doctor Strange atMoM, I was kinda surprised to see if the title card at the very end. Maybe I was too used to all of Sam Raimi’s long intro credits for the Spider-Man trilogy..lol

[@josephbowman4573]

Commenting for engagement! What a great duo of videos!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheAngryRedBird]

I know it was mentioned in the comments of part one, but Everything Everywhere All At Once separates itself into 3 chapters using the 3 parts of its title throughout the film, and really helps tie everything together. It is also just an incredible film that might be one of if not my new favorite movie ever. It really is a masterpiece everyone should see.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah I really really need to see it still.

[@TheAngryRedBird]

@@EntertainTheElk Thankfully, I'm pretty sure the Blu-ray and 4K come out June 14, so if it's not in the theaters still there's not gonna be much of a wait.

[@CorvoFG]

Stand up for your passion project. Respect. 👏👏👏. Watched the whole thing and it was great.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!!

[@shmookins]

12:04 I honestly thought that kid's face was CGI.

[@johnpaulcross424]

Man the clickbait is strong with this thumbnail, I wish you luck with the enraged fans

[@progamer9856]

Thank god for the love exposure shout-out. That movie deserves more attention and KZbin video essays.

[@EntertainTheElk]

:)

[@davesy22]

Everything Everywhere All at Once is kne of the best uses i have seen in recent times.

[@ianlacey]

this channel feels like it should be on nebula

[@ianlacey]

where you wouldn't need to worry about the youtube algorithm

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah, that would be awesome. I need to get on there!

[@IIIrdOff]

With Stalkers's last title card just before it says "part two", so it's just the beginning of the second part of the movie, because, as I understand, the movie was split originally in cinemas.

[@kaicanyonellis]

Man you've got me wanting to watch all of these movies, some for the first time, some for the fifth. Except Tenet. I'll catch that one another time 😁

[@coalescententity6651]

I respect the title but had no idea this was a continuation of the previous video what with the Thor trailer yesterday lol

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah, the naming conventions for these videos has been difficult. But glad you found it!

[@yondemon]

Amazing research! Thanks for your video. Any place for the list of movies?

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! That’s a good idea. I should list every movie on my Letterboxd account!

[@allesabernix]

I love all of your videos, such a shame that not more ppl watch these kind of videos. There super interesting to me. Thanks for making them

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hey! I appreciate that. Thank you so much.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

Mandy's was pretty amazing so enjoyed that mention

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hell yeah! Couldn't miss that one.

[@gustavohernandeza.890]

Both videos have been great!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!

[@Senefra]

I really appreciate "The Cabin In The Woods" title card, with contrasting tones shifting between the initial credits and during the opening sequence, perfectly sets up the way the film will be from there on out.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah that's a great example.

[@ColtonRDean]

The title card sequence is a form of montage. The better title sequences establish the plot and/or world of the film.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I remember after Mission Impossible 2 being done with the series. Then I saw the pretitle sequence for 3. Film doesn’t get enough credit for saving the series.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow you're absolutely right. The 2nd movie was not great but 3 got it back on track.

[@AI-mg3hy]

Great stuff on both of these videos. I know you talked about the Coen Brothers in the first one and A Serious Man is one of my favorites. The prologue is a short film in itself and has no apparent connection to the story or characters that follow. Then it fades to black and we get the credits and title card against the black, with a tinny version of Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane playing. After the title card an unrecognizable circle appears and gets closer until we are transported through it and we realize it's the earpiece to a transistor radio. Then the movie begins. Every time I watch it I spend the whole movie asking myself why and how what is happening connects to the prologue. Every re-watch offers something new to me, and it makes for an experience that not many other movies can give.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow such a great example. I only watched that movie once and it was such a trip. Very very bizarre and weird.

[@owenbaxter5943]

It’s a real shame that these kind of videos aren’t getting as many views because they are really great, and on par with other video essays from channels like Nerdwriter and Lessons From The Screenplay. I hope that your whole channel takes off and you get views on everything (not just the Day _ Died/ Was Born series, even though those are great) Keep up the great work!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hey thanks so much. I really appreciate that.

[@MetaVaria]

The video game NieR: Automata has three story campaigns that use late title cards which is really cool. The third playthrough shows its opening credits and waits like 15 more minutes before showing its title. It's a cool experience.

[@thevikingbear2343]

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Title cards for each episode always happened at the commercial break of each episode. That was amazing. There was a opening titles at the beginning like every other anime but the episode title was always right before the commercial break.

[@fjgarcia3]

And in the film "The end of Evangelion" they randomly slap a 4-minute boring "end" title crawl

[@thevikingbear2343]

@@fjgarcia3 you could say the second half of the movie is a post credits scene, and you would be right.

[@lu_calamardo]

Love Exposure's title card has got to be my favourite one of all time

[@EntertainTheElk]

It's an awesome example. Really kicks you in the face.

[@jasonhunter2819]

god daaaaaaaaamn Mandy is so fucking good. Oh hell, and just being reminded of it I looked to see if there was any news about Cosmatos and apparently in March word got out that he's doing a movie called Nekrokosm next and he's got A24 financing and distributing. Usually I don't fall prey to hype, but its tough not to after how much I loved BtBR and Mandy...

[@EntertainTheElk]

Mandy was so damn good. It might be the most beautiful movie I've ever seen. Every frame is breathtaking.

[@ArdatheyBey]

Love your work, man! Don't usually hit the bell or whatever but really want to keep up with your stuff and help out if I can! Part 2 of the Title card is still in production, yeah? I'm worried I just can't find it. lol

[@EntertainTheElk]

This is Part 2 of the title card series!

[@markparq6365]

Oh man! I just watched this video last week and saw that RRR is on Netflix now! MAN! Days later you would have had somewhere to pull that footage from! Oh well!

[@EntertainTheElk]

I know! So close. haha

[@YTwoKay]

That movie is Stalker sounds a whole lot like Annihilation (2018) oddly enough

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah you're totally right!

[@ten_sleso]

dont mind just feeding algorxthm gods

[@takashiross8553]

Sex-bob-omb at 0:13? I want to be mad you played it too soon but... nah, I can't be mad at an Edgar Wright tribute.

[@EntertainTheElk]

It was a nod back to its appearance in the previous video. Gotta include Edgar Wright whenever I get the chance! :)

[@9bang88]

Stalker is my favorite book and game

[@CalebJohnsonlivingca]

Can you list all the films referenced in the description? Your video essay is so compelling I want to watch them all now!

[@EntertainTheElk]

That's a great idea. I'll try and work on that, but for now I made a point to name all the films as I talked about them. So there shouldn't be a movie that you see that you don't hear me mention its name.

[@moosegalaxy7678]

Is it wrong that I'm a DC fan who wanted to hear you bad mouth marvel? Lol great video as always!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Haha thank you!

[@leobien0717]

I don’t have an opinion here or there consider this my prayer to the KZbin gods I hope everyone has a good one

[@EntertainTheElk]

I salute you.

[@mafeuk]

Commenting just to help with the algorithm. Good luck.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks for that!

[@Peylix]

Never been too big of fan of late title cards. But long continuous takes do get be drooling. Even if they were cheated. As long as it was done right, most won't notice. More has to do with the amount of work that goes into such a thing. Performances and literally everything has to be perfect. The risk grows exponentially the later in the scene you get. One person flubbing a line or something goes wrong in the scene in general 40mins or even an hour into it scraps the entire take. The cinematography & choreography needed for this and the creative ways one must devise to not only do this but make it flow creatively enough to keep your attention has my respect. I think that's what it boils down to for me. Apart from looking really cool. The respect I have for cast & crew who pull these off is immense. You should do an essay on continuous takes.

[@EntertainTheElk]

yeah, I'd love to but it's also a topic that's been explored to death. That's why you have to go niche sometimes to find something that no one else has really talked about before.

[@Peylix]

@@EntertainTheElk haha fair point. I still love all your videos. You put a lot of time into them and I always look forward to new things from you.

[@thomaslane3796]

Great video! Glad you highlighted both Guardians movies during the MCU section, they really stand out among the sea of bland MCU openings and are full of life and charm

[@EntertainTheElk]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Jingles6466]

Comment created to create engagement, the cats are brown

[@EntertainTheElk]

Salute!

[@mind-of-neo]

Wait, I've never seen the captain america movies, are you saying they just start the movie and then just never say what movie it is?

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yep. Not until the very end credits.

[@mind-of-neo]

@@EntertainTheElk That's so strange to me.. thank you

[@chelnahtheegghead]

I’m so glad other people also love title sequences!!! I honestly miss old movies (‘50s, ‘60s, and so on) where it was normal and expected for the movie to start with (or shortly present after a couple minutes) the opening credits as soon as the film began. I like it when people are creative with it, but I also enjoy the typical prologue/overture that lets you chat with friends and family a bit longer before the action begins. It just has a certain charm to it (for me). :)

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

i think title cards should come early, within the first 10-20 minutes, after that it just feels weird

[@EntertainTheElk]

I appreciate the weirdness. Kicks convention in the teeth.

[@professorbaxtercarelessdre1075]

@@EntertainTheElk to each their own i always say, i just personally think, like if it was a video game that did this, or a book didn't have a title on the front cover and then suddenly in the middle of it there was just a page with the title, people would be confused

[@thepixeltavern]

Solid video again. You say about it being niche but thats also what makes it unique and interesting. Don't think i've ever seen a video cover title cards before. Would be interesting to see you do something similar with how tv shows use title cards too.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! You know funny enough I actually have talked about title cards and tv shows. It was one of my first essays. It’s called Saul Bass’ Legacy. Check it out!

[@thepixeltavern]

@@EntertainTheElk Nice! I thought i had seen all your videos but will take a look for that one. Thank you :)

[@EntertainTheElk]

It's an oldie for sure

[@thepixeltavern]

@@EntertainTheElk Maybe Video games next. Although im not sure how many use a title card beyond the title screen haha

[@thewiremother5912]

The Dawn of the Dead (2004) has a great prologue/late title sequence. Also great end credits. Actually the original has a pretty good prologue too.

[@derekedwards5390]

Awesome man!! Can wait until tha next one!!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! Hard at work! :)

[@Drax69420]

Good shit. Would love more videos on obscure filmmaking techniques

[@EntertainTheElk]

That's what I'm here for! If you haven't already, you should check out my video on the Texas Stunt, an obscure stunt technique in film.

[@Drax69420]

@@EntertainTheElk I certainly will. Sounds like a great video

[@EntertainTheElk]

:)

[@nilsbengston2700]

Excellent topic, niche perhaps but very interesting

[@WARWITHWARWICK]

You do realize just cause it’s long and foreign doesn’t make it a great title card. Sometimes the absence of a title card informs the title more than it popping up on screen.

[@Horltum]

I'm quite disappointed that Watchmen wasn't brought up, to be honest.

[@StephenLeGresley]

Don't get the title, nothing in the video feels "Anti-Marvel".

[@EntertainTheElk]

Just talking about title cards/sequences and how they can be used to show originality and speak to the audience, whereas Marvel doesn't really do that. I have a section that talks about Marvel. But I can understand your point.

[@StephenLeGresley]

​@@EntertainTheElk There have been examples of creative use of title cards in Marvel films. But there are plenty of films that show no creatively at all in their title cards that have no connection to Marvel at all. So I'm not sure why you say that boring title cards are specifically "anti-marvel".

[@Anthony09221]

Another great channel boutique put by a studio. Why do you need to ruin everything?

[@sawspearenjoyer]

woohooo love exposure made it!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Couldn't leave out such an awesome example. :)

[@MoxieMcMurder]

Another great video!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ethanmrob]

I love this series! It explains something I’ve subconsciously noticed and “felt” about good films, the title cards/sequences just feel right. Thank you for this!!! P.S. A great example of unique title cards are in the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once. Its broken up into three parts, where each part’s name is a part of the title (Part 1: Everything; Part 2: Everywhere; Part 3: All At Once). I don’t think the entire title shows up at once, but it changes the tone of the movie each time (while also using the same establishing shot of the main character in the dining room so you know when the card is coming!) It just feels like a great example of how the title card is used as a storyteller and not just a filler or something out of necessity.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it. I can't wait to watch EEAAO. I've heard nothing but phenomenal things.

[@trainsandmore2319]

Actually, the full title does show up in the end.

[@Puppy_Puppington]

One of my favorite movie openings is THE BIg LEBOWSKI’s lol. Sometimes there’s a man…..

[@EntertainTheElk]

The dude abides.

[@ethansexton2590]

Bravo! You plucked something from films that I’ve never thought of, and now will never cease to think of! Bravo again!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cherryfocusdotcom]

Love Exposure yes!!!!!!!!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Such a great late title card.

[@middenway]

Another great video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks Mark!

[@jaketaf98]

Definitely loved the title drops for the chapters in Everything Everywhere All at Once. So glad I saw this one in theaters.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I still need to see it! I've heard its great.

[@trentboshart4032]

Gaspar Noe films have the best title sequences

[@TheSwordfish-g3r]

My favourite title card is that if Lost in Translation but then again, it is my favourite movie

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yeah with ScarJo on the bed? Great title card.

[@carlsoll]

10:12 Perfect Title Card *Chefs Kiss* 😑🤌

[@anishsawan6496]

GREAT VIDEO!!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!!!

[@Guruc13]

Hell yeah dude!

[@EntertainTheElk]

!!!

[@Belmontclan2682]

How do you miss the lion king

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hmm fair point. I guess that would fall under World under the Prologue section?

[@Belmontclan2682]

@@EntertainTheElk cool that was one of the first films I’ve seen in the theater I was 13 and I never seen such and opening to a movie. And for a Disney film it really set the tone for the movie

[@HensleyTG1]

Nice

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks

[@rambotarzann]

The absolutely best late title card is in Red Dead Redemption

[@EntertainTheElk]

There’s a lot of fantastic video game examples.

[@JustinMohareb]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this with us.

[@EntertainTheElk]

My pleasure

[@Devil-Made]

Engaging in some way…

[@vinnyluscombe406]

Great Video, adding a lot of these to my watchlist! What's name of the two films around the 9:40 mark? The one with the girl praying and the next with the duel chainsaws? (I know these are possibly the films you speak of later in the video...)

[@EntertainTheElk]

Girl Praying - Love Exposure Chainsaws - Mandy Glad you liked the video!

[@vinnyluscombe406]

@@EntertainTheElk Thank you so much for responding! Really enjoying expanding my scope from these videos :)

[@pdzombie1906]

Great as usual!!! Thanx!!!

[@morglag800]

very fun analysis. looking forward to more from you!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks a lot!

[@brandonwilson4408]

balls

[@PseudONym-kz3fr]

Nice video

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@PseudONym-kz3fr]

@@EntertainTheElk omg honestly if I knew you were gonna respond I would’ve said something so much longer and nicer I was just commenting to help boost the vid with the algorithm but huge fan thanks for such great content!!! Looking forward to more in the future!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! Love engaging with my viewers whenever I can!

[@johnchiu]

These are so creative and good! Bad news though, my wife probably won't let me be best friends with you. She'll say "You guys just talk about movies all day!" Whatever wife...better than watching police procedurals and dating shows all day 😆

[@EntertainTheElk]

I'll just have my wife hang out with your wife so that way she won't notice us nerding out. :)

[@THEGM1234]

Hi Adam

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hello friend

[@THEGM1234]

@@EntertainTheElk hello

[@Puppy_Puppington]

I love this type of stuff.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks!

[@isabelaoliveira9270]

👏🏾

[@vaaston197]

never thought id procastinate for 40 mins learning about titlecards :D

[@davidreynold7919]

Watched

[@EntertainTheElk]

Good man.

[@VedM]

hi

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hello there!

[@grantandrews4826]

Great video my man. Also, I was under the impression that you're a fellow Canadian, but you have a different accent. Did I dream that up?

[@EntertainTheElk]

Nope, not a Canadian. Just a lowly American from Texas who now lives in California. I wonder what my accent sounds like to you!

[@grantandrews4826]

@@EntertainTheElk Well please accept this honorary Canadian citizenship, lol. Nothing too different, you put a hard 'k' sound at the end of ing words. Walkingk instead of walking. But this comes from a guy who definitely kinda says 'aboot'. Keep up the beautiful work, by the way. I'm so glad that there's somebody on KZbin who likes to bathe in the wonders of cinema as much as you do. :)

[@EntertainTheElk]

Oh that's interesting! Never realized that I did that. I'll accept that honorary Canadian citizenship. My wife and I had our honeymoon in Vancouver. Can't wait to head back up north!

[@_dead_editz_]

Sup

[@EntertainTheElk]

Yo

[@_dead_editz_]

@@EntertainTheElk this video was cool like everything else on this channel

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@_dead_editz_]

@@EntertainTheElk no problem man keep up the good work

[@xxway2frostyxx151]

Luved

[@IanJGregory]

Haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but I heard that there's a late title card like 50 minutes in (or something like that) to that new Indian movie that's blowing up internationally, RRR.

[@psychosalad6653]

Hands down my favorite opening credits/intro sequence is the one to Watchmen. Great song choice that sets the tone for the movie and fits with the theme like a glove while lacking decades of backstory into six minutes, which otherwise would’ve made this 2hr and forty minute movie even longer

[@AnalRampage]

Marvel is not cinema, stop wasting time on it

[@superpipi1330]

Lovely!