The Most Beautiful Voyage in the World
Title Sequence
This university motion graphics project is a proposed title sequence based on a short story ‘The Most Beautiful Voyage in the World’ by Jean McNeil. Created in After Effects combining animation with filmed footage, this atmospheric sequence is inspired by the quote from the text “sometimes I feel I’m drowning in future.” By using imagery of sinking further and further, it reflects the fading hope and despair experienced by the story’s protagonists—their suppressed trauma and paralysing anxiety of living in a dystopic future ravaged by environmental destruction. Amidst this struggle, is the yearning for intimacy and connection. Yet they are unable to, burdened by societal pressures for a cheerful facade that is encapsulated by the very cruise they embark on.
This sequence begins in the unclear, mysterious ocean depths. One by one, bubbles drift up, gradually getting bigger and bigger until they dominate the screen. The darkness shifts to a writhing organic mass striking a sense of unease. The bubbles slowly drift away revealing a small black dot sinking and spiralling down towards the bottom.
As the picture zooms out, two white masses grow getting closer and closer—but they do not seem to touch. When the tether finally snaps, the image becomes inverted followed by a rapid montage of ink disintegrating reflecting the character’s emotions of dealing with a sense of powerlessness and anxiety. A cruise ship slowly drifts by from the top of the screen to the bottom. In its wake, is the title.
Everything that has just been experienced is encapsulated on that tiny little vessel.
Music Credits: 'New Day' by Wirebeats (Cinematic Scenes, 2022).