Jan-Christopher Horak, director of the UCLA Film and Television Archive, will present a selection of film titles, shorts and commercials by the American graphic designer and Academy Award-winning filmmaker on Friday, Oct. 30, 7:30 at the UCLA Hammer’s Billy Wilder Theater. Drawing on the research and analyses of his recently published book, “Saul Bass: Anatomy of Film Design” (University Press of Kentucky, 2014), and with graphic designer Albert Kallis, a frequent Bass collaborator, Horak will illuminate how Bass’ work for others manifested his own particular brand, revealing similar design strategies, themes and visual looks.
During his 40-year career, Bass (1920-1996) created some of Hollywood’s most iconic movie posters. He also did film titles, including the era-defining title sequence for Otto Preminger’s “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955). He went on to serve as an important visual collaborator with directors Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese. His invention of a new type of kinetic typography can be seen in the title sequences of Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (1958), “North by Northwest” (1959), and “Psycho” (1960).
Bass is also recognized as the creator of dynamic logos and advertising campaigns. He designed Continental Airlines’ iconic “jetstream” logo in 1968 and United Airlines’ 1974 “tulip” logo. He is also credited with the original Bell System logo in 1969, as well as AT&T’s 1983 globe logo after the breakup of the Bell System.
The evening will feature several short films that Bass directed himself, including “The Searching Eye” (1964), “Why Man Creates” (1968), “The Solar Film” (1980) and “Quest” (1984), as well as a selection of his classic title sequences, commercials and industrial films.
While admission is free, tickets must be picked up at the theater box office, which opens one hour before the event. No ticket reservations. Find more information here.
