The Titles of the Coen Brothers (Blank Check Version): A Case Study

An examination of the main title sequences for the films of Joel and Ethan Coen, by way of the podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David. Second in a series, see previously the Titles of David Fincher. For those unfamiliar, it's "a podcast on filmographies, directors who have had massive success early on in their career, and who have been given a 'blank check' to pursue any crazy passion project they want. Sometimes those checks clear, and sometimes they bounce, baby." The Blank Check guys recently wrapped up their miniseries on the Coen Brothers ("Pod Country For Old Casts"). As soon as they began their journey way back in July 2025, I knew I had to make a follow-up, since the Coen's have such a fantastic and memorable catalogue of title sequences. Interestingly, while making this I found out that they've been working with the same title designer, Randy Balsmeyer, since Miller's Crossing, so HUGE credit goes to him and his team at Big Film Design for the inspiration. The other artist deserving of the greatest shoutout is Harry "Haywire Mac" McClintock, whose iconic song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" turns 100 next year.