Comparing title sequences
In this post I will be comparing two very different types of opening title scenes. Both sequences are very effective at their function, one is a musical comedy, with a potential romance aspect called Grease, made in 1978, directed by Randal Kleiser and staring, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing and produced by Paramount pictures. American horror story is a TV series that has very gothic aspects to it as well as (hint in the name) being a horror series. The title sequence from American horror story that we will be comparing with Grease is the season 1 opening sequence released in 2011 and created by Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy and some of the top billed cast include, Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett
American horror story
This sequence does not use many title credits, a total of seven can be found within the sequence. The titles in this case are used to display the names of the cast such as the first title, who we assume has a high status within the American horror story universe.
One example of how the genre is conveyed in this sequence is the Bold thick gothic font, as can be seen below with the irregular proportions of letters as well as shape of characters conveys an ominous ethos when partnered with the violent and ominous imagery shown in this sequence.
Transitions are fast in speed, swiftly moving on to the next cut as it builds up tention as well as only allows the audience to see certain things briefly to hint at themes and the overall tone of if not the series then the season. The transitions also match the non-diegetic soundtrack giving a sense of order to the sequence potentially suggesting someone is in control. Moreover, connotations associated with the horror genre consist of being uncomfortable and unpredictable, the soundtrack reflects this as it has no clear structure and take unexpected audible turns. sci-fi mysterious like ambient sound effects are also used to present nature of horror to the scene, and add to the unexpected aspect of horror as well as adds to the anticipation of the duration of the episode.
Camera is used with close ups on certain specific details throughout the sequence, identifying iconic horror associated items such as, white clothing, skulls, photographs, fire, smashed glass and young children. This sets up the tone for the episode/season as well as furthermore connotes the horror genre. In addition the contrast in this scene for example above with the bloody hedge trimmers and the white dress show juxtaposition as the bloody trimmers connote violence, gore and horror whereas the white dress is symbolic of innocents with the colour white as well as how we assume it's for women thus adding to the contrast as the stereotype suggests further innocents.
Throughout this sequence there is no reference of time or place, location or characters, this is most likely done to give the audience as less background information as possible adding to the uncomfortable nature to the horror genre. The only glimpse of a potential character is shown above with a masked man with the bloody hedge trimmers furthermore adding to the connotations of the genre.
Grease
The font and colour of the title ‘Grease” above reflects hair grease as we see one of the characters squirt hair grease as it turns into this title. Along with the music this connotes a musical and comedic theme due to the parallel between what we hear and see within this sequence. Moreover, the overaggerated character style used on the characters when they are being introduced furthermore suggests a musical theme as the expressive nature of musical theatre is represented through the mise-en-scene of the characters as well as having a comedic aspect due to this over the top nature of this opening title sequence.
Font suggests a bright and vibrant tone suggesting a fun and happy environment. The letters style is very 50,s with the big bold advertisement style. Font is animated, suggesting an upbeat and comedy/romance suggestion of the film's duration. Moreover the interaction with non-human aspects to the sequence such as the moving radio above, provide a suggestion for this fun and expressive environment that we expect to see throughout the duration of the film.
In this sequence the titles are used to introduce the characters, in which we expect to come together at some point in film if not already. Other titles are placed integrated into the colourful highly expressive 1950’s theme city, such as on billboards and such displaying the boom of advertising as well as colourful plastic in those times.
We are also introduced to the location, as we are shown a relatively normal town/city area in America, with American style attributes, such as bar seen above on the wall, instead of the potential British pub. We also assume it's around summertime this paints a good picture for the audience to reflect with the characters and invest into the story.
Smooth transitions reflect the ideology within the characters as they are young and likely have little stress for example. Character's name and then actors are introduced individually as well as presenting them in a yearbook like style. Mover over a very theatrical and musical style to the introduction of the characters is used to reflect what they may be doing later in the film. The yearbook feeling makes us assume this film will be based at a school due to the orderly ‘getting ready’ introduction montages.
Summery
Both the title sequences for Grease and American horror story are both very effective at establishing genre, as they both are very successful at integrating the connotations associated with their chosen genre into these sequences as the aim of these title sequences is to display certain information as well as establish tone and setting into the sequence allowing the audience to get a feel for the duration of the text. I think that Grease has been slightly more successful the American horror story because it full fills the function intended for a title sequence, whereas American horror story does not attempt to set up much time, date etc but this may be due to the horror genre and they may have left out this hits/information on purpose in order to add to the horror genre connotations. Therefore, I believe they are both very successful but have different aims regarding how they wish to fulfil their title sequence.
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