Directed by Stanley Donen
Main Title Design by Maurice Binder
Two for the Road is a movie about a marriage. Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney star as Joanna and Mark Wallace, whose story from meeting to falling in love to marriage and parenthood is told through flashbacks of their travels together across Europe. Directed by Stanley Donen (Singin’ in the Rain, Charade), it is a brutally honest and grown-up portrayal of a marriage, it is arguably Audrey Hepburn’s most mature performance, and it has always been one of my favorite movies. (Read an earlier piece I wrote about the movie here.)
The opening titles were designed by the brilliant and prolific Maurice Binder, who is perhaps best known as the architect of the iconic James Bond main titles, with credits including Dr. No, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diamonds Are Forever and many more. He worked for Stanley Donen in 1963 on the opening titles for Charade with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
MENSWEAR NOTE: The legendary Hardy Amies was responsible for Albert Finney’s clothes in the film.
About This Series
Title design in film is an art form. When done well, beautifully designed opening titles introduce us to the experience, helping to set the tone and get us ready for the story that we’re about to see. They should neither overshadow the movie nor underwhelm. They should be a perfect tonal complement.
5 Comments
In 1967, Sir Hardy wasn’t venerable.Born in 1909, he was 58, a crack amateur tennis player, founder of a thriving design house who frequently dressed the Queen and other royals and always the life of the party. His work for “Two for the Road” was masterful and the film is a total treasure.
venerable (adj): accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
As a friend of his, I know he would not have enjoyed the term, “venerable.” May be at 90 but not at 58.
Two For The Road is my all time favorite film. The soundtrack is excellent as well. It was also interesting that Givenchy did not do Audrey Hepburn’s clothing, but she was beautifully dressed by several other designers.
Don’t forget “Charade,” with another distinctive Henry Mancini opening credit theme song. Again, Hepburn at the height of her maturing beauty.