Comparing opening title sequences (American Horror Story and Grease)

 

COMPARING OPENING TITLE SEQUENCES - AMERICAN HORROR STORY & GREASE

The opening title sequences of American horror story and grease are two very different opening sequences and we can assume that the two narratives will be opposites to each other, the key conventions used in American Horror Story to make the narrative horror include quick shots to create a sense of uncertainty and confusion - this is also helped as we aren't told much about the location, time period or introduced to any characters combined with sinister objects such as scissors coated in blood, mysterious potion bottles and parts of human beings in a jar - within this sequence, there is also a sense of purity with the white gown, representative on innocence similar to the small children who are also included in the sequence. The titles themselves are relatively plain however there's a contrast from the black background to the white title but it also has a sense of messiness and chaos, which is in line with the story. The music used emphasizes an eerie atmosphere and the contrast in the quick shots to the slightly longer shots of the white dress help to create the horror genre effectively.                      

Another completely opposite opening title sequence is Grease (1978), creates a completely different narrative from the start

through upbeat music, vibrant colors and gives the viewers a sense of clarity and understanding of the location, characters, and time period; the time is set clearly when characters such as Marilyn Monroe and the concept of communism are introduced - showing the audience clearly that its set in the 1950s. The characters are well introduced as are the actors that play them, for example (actor name) AS (character).

The characters themselves are introduced individually with a  whole small sequence just on them. We get to learn a little about them - for example down below the blonde girl with animals around her connotes that she is friendly, and maybe naive. The impact that this  has on  the audience just  lets us know more about  the film and  gives certainty and understanding
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The titles themselves are incorporated into the location of a busy city while still keeping in line with the bright colors and a light-hearted mood, which again connotes  a happy and playful narrative

To conclude, the opening (title) sequence is crucial to illustrate and hint at  the narrative and tone of the film, this can be due to  sound, animations, colours and the introducing of the characters and location.