Comparing title sequence

 Grease opening title sequence

I have looked into two different title sequences, the first is Grease. The titles are animated and reflects a fun, 80's feel. The light hearted non diegetic soundtrack hints at it's musical genre. We also are introduced to a number of animated character's which we could possibly see through the rest of the film. 

Titles: 

The fonts of the titles are very bold and colourful which reflects a fun and happy tone of the narrative of the film. The big and bold style of fonts suggest the 80's time period of which it is set it. 

Characters names + Actors: 

We are introduced to some of the main characters through the use of the animated, cartoon characters who resemble each character in the film. They are presented as if it's a school year book which reinforces the setting and tone. 

Drawings: 

The animated characters sets up the idea of high school stereotypes, this is connoted through mise-en-scene of the costumes which resembles the typical outfits relating to each stereotype category. 

Genre: 

The genre is clearly portrayed in this title sequence through the over exaggerated musical theatre style. This suggests it is a comedy/ musical genre of film. 

Camera: 

The long lasting shots of each of the characters allows us to build an understanding of what type of person they resemble and also to create a perception on them before we properly see them. 

Editing: 

The editing style gives us hints of iconic pulp culture from America in the 1950's. 

Sound: 

The non diegetic soundtrack is reminiscent to a musical. The song playing is sang by American singer, Frank Valley. On top of this, the diegetic sound effects of the local radio relates to the high school feeling.

American Horror Story 

The second opening title sequence is practically the opposite genre, tone and theme. 

Titles: 

The font of the titles are very bold and prominent which reflects a gothic theme to this title sequence. 

Transitions: 

The transitions between the shots and titles are quick and short which is parallel to the soundtrack. 

Sound: 

The non diegetic 'unpredictable', eerie soundtrack hints at the horror genre and suggests the narrative.

Camera: 

The close up shots shows details which hints at the narrative of the location/setting. 

Genre: 

We see close up shots of items like white clothing, photographs, fire, smashed objects which hints at the idea of this series being a horror. 

Editing: 

The shots are fast and almost like a strobe effect. The cuts are jumpy which relates to the genre of horror and mystery. 

Comparing the sequences 

Both of these two sequences I studied are well establishing to present their genre in different aspects. On one hand, Grease presents a fun, musical tone through the animated, colourful style of titles, the soundtrack and editing style suggests the high school 80's time period which makes us guess what will be involved in this musical comedy genre of film. Whereas on the other hand, American Horror Story is clearly a spine chilling, mysterious horror genre of show. This is indicated mainly by the eerie, unpredictable, jumpy soundtrack played over the dark, quick shots of objects within a haunted basement. I think however that Grease's opening title sequence is the most successful at provoking the genre as their sequence is very creative by using animated characters to introduce the main characters, they also creatively reinforce a light hearted tone through the choice of text, fonts, colours, sound and editing.