What is the text of a film called?

On-Screen Text and Its Significance in Film

Within the realm of filmmaking, on-screen textual elements play a vital role in shaping the narrative and enhancing the viewer’s immersion. These textual components, labeled as “TITLE” within scripts, serve as crucial visual cues that convey essential information about the setting, time, or the inner thoughts of characters.

Incorporating on-screen text into a film serves several key purposes. Firstly, it establishes and reinforces the setting. By displaying a title card or caption, filmmakers can situate the story in a specific time and place, providing essential context for the plot. For instance, in the opening scene of “The Godfather,” the text “New York, 1945” immediately transports the viewer to the post-war era, setting the stage for the subsequent events.

Another critical function of on-screen text is to convey the passage of time. By inserting timestamps or dates, filmmakers can effectively guide the audience through the timeline of the story. This technique is particularly useful in films that span multiple years or decades. For example, in the movie “Boyhood,” a series of on-screen titles mark the progression of time over 12 years, allowing the audience to witness the characters’ physical and emotional transformation.

Moreover, on-screen text can offer insights into the thoughts and feelings of characters. Through the use of internal monologues or voiceovers, filmmakers can convey the characters’ inner dialogues and perspectives. This technique helps to build character depth and create a stronger emotional connection with the viewer. One notable example is the film “Taxi Driver,” where the protagonist’s thoughts and observations are presented as on-screen text, providing a glimpse into his troubled and isolated mind.

The duration and placement of on-screen text are carefully considered by filmmakers to optimize its effectiveness. Brief titles, such as location or time stamps, are often used to provide quick information without disrupting the flow of the story. Extended text, such as internal monologues, requires more careful integration to ensure a balance between narrative clarity and visual aesthetics.

In conclusion, on-screen textual elements are an integral part of the filmmaking process. By conveying setting, time, and character thoughts, these visual cues enhance the viewer’s understanding of the story and intensify their immersion in the film’s world. Whether brief or extended, on-screen text serves as a powerful narrative tool that enriches the cinematic experience.