As the camera pans over images of photographs we see the wear and tear right away. Some are in stark black-and-white while others feature fading color, and most feature gorgeous men in states of love. The closeness of two men’s cheeks or grasping hands is something we aren’t accustomed to seeing in images from our not-too-distant past. The main title design of Showtime’s Fellow Travelers features images that are normally tucked away, as if we stumbled upon a photo album that we were not given permission to see. These men and women have kept themselves hidden in fear of ridicule or physical danger. Thanks to designer Ron Gervais, there has never been a main title design as alluring as the one for Showtime’s Fellow Travelers.
As images topple on top of one another, something dark invades these loving images. Blotches bubble up then disappear and then lines darken the frame. Accompanied by Paul Leonard-Morgan’s score, we realize that Gervais has created a title design depicting queer men and women being redacted out of history. If we stop them from living openly, they think, we can stop them from being happy. And then they can go away. Gervais’ use of these heavy black lines is startling at first, and, before we know it, our pulse begins to quicken as we sense danger.
This main title design is not just a depiction of history but also a celebration of queen joy and happiness. Even if a flash of Joe McCarthy serves as jump scare for many, the next few images, of kissing, lustful stares, and bulging body parts, serves as a reminder of how brazen and confident so many of us can be. By using typography, text, and archival footage, Gervais chronicles our history and reinforces that we are not forbidden.
Fellow Travelers is streaming now on Paramount+. You can view the title sequence below our interview with Gervais.
