While finally catching up with a lot of unread RSS feeds after the summer holiday, I was quite happy to see that one of my favourite sites, Art of the Title, has covered one of my favourite Steve McQueen’s movies, The Thomas Crown Affair.

The Art of the Title’s article focuses on the multi-screen technique of designer Pablo Ferro, who created the movie’s opening titles and some key montages within the movie.

So impressed were Jewison and Ashby by Ferro’s efforts, that one multiple screen sequence soon became another and another and another. The technique was used alternatively to draw attention to small details and to build suspense, revealing the intricacies of Crown’s masterfully staged heists from every possible angle. “In the three to four minutes of multiple image time, audiences had really been exposed to close to 15 minutes of straight-cut film,” Jewison said of the sequences.

In the film’s title sequence, Ferro’s multi-screen technique creates a layout not unlike a moving magazine spread, an effect that would not look out of place on a modern tablet computer. Unlike the subsequent multi-screen sequences, the title sequence features no actual footage from the film. Not wanting to spoil the movie in its opening moments, Ferro suggested assembling the titles out of publicity stills and other behind-the-scenes photos from the production.

If you love this movie, you’ll enjoy the full article. And please support Art of the Title, it’s an awesome site featuring excellent-quality content.