Saul Bass Honored With Google Doodle
Saul Bass has been honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 93 birthday. While his name may not be well known, his artwork appeared along with the opening credits of Psycho, The Man with the Golden Arm, North By Northwest, Casino, and numerous other films.
Bass was born in 1920 in New York City. His career as a graphic designer spanned 40 years. Working with some of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood, Bass became famous for his iconic style.
Historically, film credits and opening sequences simply featured words. Tasked with creating a title sequence for the film The Man with the Golden Arm, Bass came up with a new and innovative idea.
As discussed by Holidays Press, Bass created the film’s animated opening sequence using paper cut-outs. The technique was simple, but effective. Utilizing cutouts, sharp angles, and distorted images, Bass’ graphic design style became iconic.
In addition to the previously mentioned films, Saul Bass’ work can be seen in the title or title sequences of Mr. Saturday Night, Cape Fear, Doc Hollywood, Goodfellas, West Side Story, Vertigo, and The Seven Year Itch.
Following Bass’ death in 1996, his iconic style has inspired the graphic art in the title sequences of Catch Me If You Can and the popular television drama Mad Men.
Saul Bass has been honored by a Google Doodle film sequence. The sequence mirrors Bass’ unique style to celebrate the day of his birth.
According to IMDB, Bass was nominated for three Oscars, winning one in 1969 for the 1968 documentary Why Man Creates.
In addition to his work with films, Bass created some of the most well-known logos for major corporations. The “bell” used by AT&T beginning in 1969, the “globe” used by AT&T in 1983, the “jetstream” for Continental Airlines in 1968, and the United Airlines “tulip” in 1974.
Saul Bass’ work will always be remembered as edgy, unique, and iconic. Google has found the perfect way to honor the man behind the artwork, presenting a tribute as a Google Doodle film.
