Films & Fonts: Typography in Hollywood Films

Typography can make or break your design. This series is based on some of the Hollywood films from the 1940s onwards (Casablanca et al), which are as easily recognisable as Nike’s swoosh, thanks to their unique typefaces, customisation, and above all design aesthetics.

Typography in films is like the style of writing you see on screen. It’s not just about words; it’s about how those words look and feel. Here’s why it matters:

Different fonts, colours, and sizes of letters help create the right mood for a movie. They can make you feel excited, romantic, scared, or anything else the filmmakers want you to feel. The style of writing can also tell you when or where the story is happening. Old-fashioned fonts might show it’s a story from the past, while futuristic letters can tell you it’s a story from the future. Sometimes, each character has their own special writing style. It shows their personality or role in the story, especially in cartoons or movies with lots of animation.

Words on screen, like titles or subtitles, are easier to understand when they’re written in a clear and cool way. Typography helps make sure you get the message without any confusion. Similarly, fancy writing can make certain words or phrases stand out, making sure you notice the most important parts of the story. The way words look in a movie can make it different from others. It’s like the movie’s special style that helps people remember it.

Cool writing and designs make a movie more beautiful and interesting to watch. They add to the movie’s overall look and feel. Typography isn’t just about words; it can help tell the story better. The way words move or appear on the screen can add extra meaning to what’s happening in the movie. In simple words, typography in films isn’t just about putting words on the screen. It’s a way to make the movie more exciting, understandable, and beautiful, adding to the whole movie-watching experience.