We're continuing our examination of cinematic closing credits and how certain movies are able to continue the "high" from the climax through to the very end. As stated in a previous post, this can only be accomplished if the film itself actually creates a "high", but assuming it does, then the critical element in retaining the audience is in the right choice of closing credit music. Next is a creative title sequence that begins at the conclusion of the last scene (rather than at the start of the film).
Image via Wikipedia
The 2006 comedy Stranger than Fiction directed by Marc Forster is an outstanding example of how it is done. Written by Zach Helm, the film stars Will Ferrell as IRS auditor Harold Crick and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Ana Pascal, a tax-delinquent baker whom Crick is to audit. The film succeeds not only with a tight well-written plot that is both humorous and heartfelt, but with superb performances by both stars and the strong supporting cast of Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, and Emma Thompson.
More in depth plot summary at Wikipedia.
So the film is a winner. How does it extend the audience's high spirits into the end credits? First, it continues with the use of well-chosen indie punk and rock songs that it exquisitely utilized throughout the movie.
Whole Wide World - by Wreckless Eric at a crucial turning point in the film:
Video posted by lantzn
At the conclusion of the final scene, we're immediately hit with the upbeat The Book I Write by Spoon as well as a dynamic animated sequence which includes various images and numerous mathematical motifs (referencing the linear thought processes of the Crick character) that occurred throughout the film. Both these end titles and the opening sequence to the movie were created by MK12 Studios. See them both in HD at The Art of the Title Sequence.Ending title sequence also seen below:
Video posted by MK12
