Title Research: Uncut Gems

 

 *opening sequences studied at artofthetitle.com*

What titles are displayed during the opening sequences? 

The title of the film is displayed first, then the leading actors are displayed following that. Supporting actors, followed by producers and then directors, are displayed after the leads. Writers are listed just before directors.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

The opening sequence begins with a couple of miners finding some raw opal and marveling at the beauty of the colors within the gemstone. The opal is zoomed in on until we are inside of the stone itself. The camera explores the interior of the stone, which then transforms into something different; something softer and slimier, something alive: the colon of Howard Ratner. The image that the audience is seeing then becomes pixelated and the audience finds themself looking at this image on the screen of a endoscope within an operating room. As the camera zooms out, the viewer now finds themself spectating Howard Ratner's colonoscopy. 

What connotations do these images carry?

These images are quite bizarre in relation to each other. Though, there is linear movement from scene to scene, the combination of images just seems random. It's as if the opening sequence is skipping steps; it's rushing. There is an attempt to connect two points, however the means by which this is done is much too quick, it is messy, it isn't intuitive.

How does the film establish a feeling of the genre from the outset? 

Immediately the audience is thrown into Howard Ratner's life, which is, in fact, quick, messy, and counter-intuitive. Mr. Ratner is being harassed by loan sharks, getting into arguments with his significant other, and continuing to make financial decisions he probably shouldn't make. One thing is clear: there is most definitely conflict in Uncut Gems. The film is most certainly a drama, albeit a busy one. The audience identify Howard's internal conflict immediately; Howard Ratner is a gambling addict, and he isn't even a good gambler.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Mature themes, as well as mature language, are used immediately in the film to make it clear who the film was designed for: adults. Howard as well as all those around him use mature language and perform mature actions. Alcohol is displayed and some mild intimacy is shown between Howard and Julia. 

How has technology been used effectively? 

The creation of the opening sequence uses many forms of technology. The creation of the interior of the opal, as well as the creation of a faux colon could only be done on powerful computers with CGI software. Powerful editing software would also be need on these powerful computers, in order to edit the computer generated images together smoothly with transitions. Titles would also need to added on top of all this. Cameras were also utilized to capture many shots such as over the shoulder shots, close-up shots, and medium shots in this opening sequence. They were also used in movement to create pans and zooms, among other things.