The Art of the Title Sequence: Michael Mann’s “Crime Story” – 1986.

I’ve always wanted to talk about the importance of the opening title sequence.  If you do it right, you’ll pull your audience in and captivate them.  I want to share some opening titles with you that have always had a profound effect on me.  The first one I want to share is from Michael Mann’s TV Show, “Crime Story” which aired for two seasons on NBC starring Dennis Farina, Ted Levine, Stephen Lang, Ron Dean, and Anthony Denison.  The show was based on the true story of “Casino” – Martin Scorsese’s film about the rebirth of Las Vegas.  The TV show included guest actors that made frequent apperances: Andrew Dice Clay (who played Robert DeNiro’s character in “Casino”), Michael Madsen, Joseph Wiseman, Julia Roberts, Pam Greir, and Kevin Spacey.

The TV show was excellent.  If I ever think about this show, I’ll always be in love with the opening credits.  Enjoy.

The Directors: Michael Mann

Mann’s signature is gritty “street” films. His realism through grainy to high definition picture is monumental. He’s a unique auteur; he shows little homage to other filmmakers. He stands alone in the films that he directs, and the TV Shows he created. His usage of violence rivals that of Scorsese’s. Michael Mann is simply the best. I fall in love with his films over and over again each time I see them.

1. “The Insider” – 1999

2. “Manhunter” – 1986

3. “Thief” – 1983

4. “The Last of the Mohicans” – 1992

5. “Heat” – 1995

6. “The Keep” – 1983

7. “Ali” – 2001

8. “Collateral” – 2004

9. “Public Enemies” – 2009

10. “Miami Vice” – 2006