Analysis of the Mad Men opening Title Sequence
Analysis of Mad Men Title Sequence
University of Minnesota
Abstract This analysis will cover the middle scene in the Mad Men opening title sequence. This will be addressing the principles and elements of design and their impact on the viewing experience of this segment of title sequence. This scene is an illustration of a man free-falling from a skyscraper, down the side of a building. Further detail will be addressed later. Three elements of design will be discussed: line, color, and shape. All are designed to show continuity and free-flowing movement through change. The principles balance, harmony, and rhythm of design will be discussed through the symmetrical balance of the geometric buildings and the repetition used to depict change. The design functions utilized are aesthetic (evokes emotion from the apparent fall and the change in scenery), utilitarian (finding the focal point of the show and the sequence in the falling man and the attitude of the show); in conjunction give us the symbolic nature of the show. Finally, the conclusion dives into how the designers used the elements and principles to show the aesthetic, utilitarian, and symbolic functions.
Analysis of the Mad Men Opening Title Sequence
Introduction
Mad Men is about an ad agency that is riddled with controversy, drama and plot twists. The main character, Don Draper, is somehow always caught up in this and the opening title sequence encompasses his involvement in the free-fall through the backdrop of ads projected on skyscrapers and scared human movements. The chosen image focuses on line, color, and shape through movement and change. The design principle rhythm, harmony, and balance are achieved through change and repetition. The symbolic function of this scene shows the involvement of the main character at his job and the sporadic life he leads.
Scene Described in Detail Set on a
University of Minnesota
Abstract This analysis will cover the middle scene in the Mad Men opening title sequence. This will be addressing the principles and elements of design and their impact on the viewing experience of this segment of title sequence. This scene is an illustration of a man free-falling from a skyscraper, down the side of a building. Further detail will be addressed later. Three elements of design will be discussed: line, color, and shape. All are designed to show continuity and free-flowing movement through change. The principles balance, harmony, and rhythm of design will be discussed through the symmetrical balance of the geometric buildings and the repetition used to depict change. The design functions utilized are aesthetic (evokes emotion from the apparent fall and the change in scenery), utilitarian (finding the focal point of the show and the sequence in the falling man and the attitude of the show); in conjunction give us the symbolic nature of the show. Finally, the conclusion dives into how the designers used the elements and principles to show the aesthetic, utilitarian, and symbolic functions.
Analysis of the Mad Men Opening Title Sequence
Introduction
Mad Men is about an ad agency that is riddled with controversy, drama and plot twists. The main character, Don Draper, is somehow always caught up in this and the opening title sequence encompasses his involvement in the free-fall through the backdrop of ads projected on skyscrapers and scared human movements. The chosen image focuses on line, color, and shape through movement and change. The design principle rhythm, harmony, and balance are achieved through change and repetition. The symbolic function of this scene shows the involvement of the main character at his job and the sporadic life he leads.
Scene Described in Detail Set on a
Citations: Hemmis, Pat in Introduction to Design thinking [PDF Document]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web Site: https://ay13.moodle.umn.edu/course/view.php?id=4023 Norman, Donald. Emotional Design: Why We Love (Or Hate) Everyday Things. New York: Basic Books, 2004. 63-237. Print. Fuller , Steve, and Gardner, Mark. Mad Men. Imaginary Forces. TV