Imaginary Forces

Client: New Line Cinema / Contrafilm
Director: Joel Schumacher

Project Info:

There are 15 letters in "Imaginary Forces", which was founded October 31st 1996 - 10/31/96. If you add 10+3+1+9+6 plus the nine letters of "Imaginary" and then subtract the six letters of "Forces," 10+3+1+9+6+9-6 = 32, which is the inverse of 23.

In I.D. Magazine's 54th Annual Design Review, "The Number 23" main titles were honored with a Design Distinction in the Graphic Design Category. Click here to read more about the honor.

The main titles set the tone and context of the film, namely, the hidden power and prevalence of the number 23. The sequence uses erratic typewriter movements, seeping blood and ink blotches to suggest a haunting and dark narrative. A sheet of paper is peppered with the number 23 as related facts woven throughout the sequence appear via bleeding red and black stains. The Knights Templar had 23 Grand Masters, and King Charles I was beheaded on January 30th, 1649. IF artists worked closely with Director Joel Schumacher to finesse the aesthetic and graphical representations in the main titles. Blood is an important element in the film as the novel read by Jim Carrey's character is a chilling murder mystery. The blood also serves as a metaphor for the book, which has a red cover.