Comparing Title Sequences

When comparing Grease and American Horror Story you can gauge a lot from their opening title sequence. firstly, the lighthearted genre of grease is conveyed through the use of upbeat music as well as bright colours and comedic animations. This is completely juxtaposed in the opening title sequence to American Horror Story whereby were shown a dimly lit house alongside old memorabilia such as shattered baby photos. 

Titles are an important part when differentiating the genre. American horror story subverts the common order of titles whereby only 9 titles are shown, and the title of the show is at the end of the sequence. The titles convey the horror genre through the use of font, positioning, and colour. The use of the gothic font alongside the black and white colour scheme highlights the horror genre as the colours are polar opposites as they represent life and death as well as darkness and evil deeds. 

In contrast, the titles in Grease are far more lighthearted as they're portrayed in a more playful manner through the use of font, whereby the title animation appears to dance to the soundtrack. In the title sequence all 21 titles are shown, and all in an interesting way that reflects their role. the positioning and colour scheme further reflects the lighthearted yet comedic genre as the title sequence not only introduces us to the characters it also tells us a bit of back story.

The tone in both title sequences is set through the use of a soundtrack. The non-diegetic soundtrack in Grease is very 50s whereby the song is uplifting and a 'bop' whereby you could picture it playing on the radio in the 50s. Moreover, the repetition of the title 'Grease' within the song suggests that it is going to be a musical and that the song was made especially for the film. Despite this, the soundtrack starts off non-diegetic, whereby Danny is seen dancing in his bedroom, although as more characters are introduced it becomes non-diegetic although the actions that occur remain parallel to the soundtrack. 

Whereas in American Horror story the soundtrack is eerie whereby an almost supernatural non-diegetic soundtrack is played, this sets a dark yet abstract tone reflecting the mystery and suspense within the actual show. moreover, the flashing images alongside obscure objects further reflect the mysterious yet dark tone.

In Grease the use of a storytelling element within the title sequence helps to establish the location and time period. We can tell that it is going to be based around high school kids and their antics, through the use of locations such as bedrooms and the final scene being the school whereby it swaps from animation to real life and assumingly current day within the movie, this suggests that the school is going to be a crucial location within the movie. The use of messy bedrooms and broken cars also reflects the age of the characters suggesting that they're probably 17 or 18. Moreover, the use of props such as a boombox highlights that it's probably set in the 50s. Furthermore, the use of billboards tells a story at it reveals the current affairs of the time, such as references to many pop icons as well as the Thunderbird Ford which was released in 1955. The current affairs are predominantly American-based, as well as the left-hand drive car highlighting it is going to be set in an American high school. Moreover, the storytelling aspect within the opening sequence hints at the typical teenage lifestyle that will be shown in the movie, we can assume that it will be based around two friendship groups, the boys and the girls- this is highlighted through the titles whereby they're introduced through their gang-like names: The 'T-Birds' and The 'Pink Ladies'. Additionally, the hint at the romantic narrative is highlighted through the use of positioning and order of characters, whereby Danny and Sandy are completely juxtaposed within the screen highlighting their story won't be so simple.

On the other hand, the title sequence to American Horror Story suggests that it is going to be set in a (haunted) house or certainly based on one, we can tell this as the sequence gives the audience a glimpse of the house and the troubles which come with it. Moreover, the title "American Horror Story" further reflects the horror genre as well as establishes the location within America. The lack of characters and narrative suggests that this could be the first series as the audience would have no prior knowledge of the cast nor would they have an understanding of the storyline, although the use of old photographs as well as bizarre props suggest that the narrative is going to be something to do with a possible old case and how it has been reopened in a more modern-day. 

Both Grease and American Horror Story convey generic conventions of opening title sequences and both stereotypically establish the genre. Although, personally I prefer the opening title sequence to Grease due to the lightheartedness as well as its ability to establish the narrative through the use of the combination of soundtrack and animation. Although I believe that American Horror story was more successful at instilling fear into the audience through the clear genre being conveyed, moreover the lack of narrative and duration further added to the horror genre as well as creating suspense through the fear of the unknown. Despite this, these two titles are difficult to compare and I think that they're both superb at successfully establishing the genre.