Saul Bass, a pivotal figure in graphic design and film, revolutionized movie credits, logos, and posters, leaving a lasting legacy. Celebrated by Martin Scorsese, Bass’s work transcended time, influencing the film industry even after his passing in 1996. His final masterpiece, the credit sequence for *Casino*, encapsulated profound themes of morality and downfall, showcasing his artistic brilliance. Bass viewed himself as a craftsman, yet his impactful creations continue to resonate, ensuring his legacy endures.
Saul Bass was a luminary in the world of graphic design and film, even before our paths crossed. His remarkable contributions to film credits, corporate logos, and advertising posters have left an indelible mark on his era. Each of his creations encapsulated the essence of modernity and artistry in the industrial landscape.
His artistic pieces crystallized our identities and aspirations, guiding us toward a promising future. Even today, his images invite us to dream and reflect.
This is how the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a true aficionado of cinema, described Bass in the acclaimed 2011 publication, Saul Bass: A Life In Film & Design. Despite passing away in 1996 at the age of 75, Bass’s genius as the pioneer of modern credit sequences remains largely unrecognized by the public. His creative influence continues to resonate in the film industry.
Bringing a Legend Back to Life
It was Martin Scorsese who revived Bass’s artistic spirit during the early 1990s. ‘His credits are not just simple labels devoid of creativity – they are an essential part of the film itself. When his work graces the screen, the film truly begins. I speak in the present tense because his creations, along with those of his wife Elaine, transcend generations and touch everyone,’ Scorsese explained in Saul Bass: A Life In Film & Design.
He reminisced about their initial collaboration. ‘The first project I worked on with him was Goodfellas. I had a vision for the credits but struggled to articulate it. A friend suggested I reach out to Saul Bass, and I wondered, “Should I really do that?” After all, his work on classics like Vertigo, Psycho, Autopsy of a Murder, Storm Over Washington, Spartacus, and The Man with the Golden Arm…
These films shaped my perspective as a viewer and filmmaker. When we were young and visited cinemas, his designs thrilled us, much like the music of Bernard Herrmann, adding a unique dimension to the films. Saul’s work set those films apart; he was essentially a master filmmaker. He understood the rhythm, structure, and mood of each project, diving deep into the film’s essence to uncover its secrets.’
A Visionary’s Final Masterpiece
After crafting the credits for Raging Bull and the exquisite The Age of Innocence, Saul Bass concluded his cinematic journey with an awe-inspiring credit sequence for Casino. Accompanied by Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Bass and Elaine devised a stunning graphic design that was both elegant and baroque.
Saul Bass described his vision for this sequence: ‘Imagine Dante’s Hell, the painter Hieronymus Bosch, with the backdrop of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, and you’ll grasp our intent.’
The couple aimed to visually narrate the ascent and decline of Ace Rothstein’s soul and body, with Las Vegas serving as a purgatorial backdrop. The flickering neon lights represented the purification process amidst the flames of his rise and fall, depicting ‘the city that absolves us of our sins.’
Once again, the profound thematic metaphor shines through…
‘In this credit sequence, Elaine and Saul captured the essence of the entire film: the Las Vegas of the 70s and the Mafia’s descent into darkness,’ reflected Nicholas Pileggi, the film’s screenwriter, with palpable emotion.
A poignant farewell from the master, destined for posterity. ‘There is nothing glamorous about what I do. I am a craftsman. Perhaps I am fortunate to find joy in meaningful work that I sometimes consider successful,’ Saul Bass once remarked. Rest assured, his legacy will endure. Farewell, artist…