"Ruthless People" Main Titles

I designed and directed these main titles in 1987. They were done at Playhouse Pictures in Hollywood. A couple of years ago I was driving with the radio on, and I heard Mick Jagger talking about how he disliked them. He sings the title song. Hah!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ruthless
• people
• sally
• cruikshank
• main
• titles
• mick
• jagger
• zucker

[LetsPlayPC]

I remember seeing this in the theater in 1987 and I laughed out loud when the window closed and smashed that thing's fingers. Best opening title sequence ever.

[laughingsal]

@LetsPlayPC Thanks for your nice comment. It was really fun working with directors ZAZ because they understood gags and would throw back any ideas they didn't think worked.

[WelshWebb]

For what it's worth, I thought these titles were brilliant. They reminded me of the style that was popular in the 50s and 60s. This is a highly underrated film and I recommend anyone who hasn't seen it yet to do so today!

[laughingsal]

@WelshWebb Thanks for your nice remark. I actually got the style ideas from the furniture in the movie, on first viewing- at the time it was called "Memphis Style." But the all time best movie titles were by Saul Bass in the 50's and 60's.

[beboptube]

Was just thinking about this movie and Google led me here. Saw this movie when it came out and loved the opening titles. So stylish! I'd thought I detected a Peter Max/Yellow Submarine influence at moments-? Though in watching it now I wonder if Tim Burton and Pee Wee's Playhouse weren't themselves influenced by your work. Congrats, laughingsal, on this clever, iconic art.---Oh and "Sir" Mick? Twenty-plus years later, your "new" SuperOverKill project sounds *just* like this one. You stay classy!

[laughingsal]

@beboptube thanks for your thoughtful comment.

[turquoise70]

I loved this opening when i first saw it as a kid. really stylized and creative, definitely grabs the attention of the audience.

[Batadawada]

I remember this since i was a kid..

[ZillaRocks]

@johnyzero2000 They're still nasty and vulgar, the only thing is that they're not plot driven or funny anymore. :P

[laughingsal]

@danielssyrek thanks daniel!

[danielssyrek]

This opening sequence has always been one of my favorites. It also went so well with Barbara's taste in interior design.

[laughingsal]

@marktstoner Thanks for your nice comment, Mark.