The Comparison Of Two Title Sequences

 Comparison of the title sequence from Grease and the title sequence from American Horror Sequence 

Grease

- The genre of Grease is a musical, this is conveyed through the use of non diegetic soundtrack which appears to be upbeat and extremely positive. The genre is also suggested to us through the use of font that is visible as comic, as if its got a logo to it. Moreover the style is animation, with a large use of character drawings again connoting it to be a fun, upbeat film. When the characters names appear on the screen they are introduced with the character the actors playing using the word 'As' this highlights a performance, musical, or show vibe.

- The tone is also established as being upbeat, happy and fun. As well as again using character drawings and the retro old school, 1960's look in order to establish this. 

- Their is a wide range of key titles which appear, such as the title, the starring roles, choreographer, director, producer etc.

- It is clear this film is set in the USA  in the 1960's, we know this, due to the clear use of iconic time period imagery as well as through the use of costume and props. Such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Mad Magazine, Playboy, Thunderbird by Four. Moreover there is an add of importance placed upon the high school setting, this is highlighted when theres a fade from animation to real life when the title sequence is ending with the scene commencing.

- We are given a clear idea of what the narrative will consist of. It is suggested to be about high school, teenagers, strong suggestions towards romance (Boy and girl shown after one another conveying they'll end up together.) There is a suggestion of romance from the juxtaposition of a male and female character.

- There are several characters introduced, such as 'Danny' who's shown as being lazy, vein, careless and a rebellion. It's implied he's a main or even 'the' main character we know this due to him being the one whom creates the Grease logo in the sequence drawing our attention to him. In addition the character 'Sandy' who's a female character thats underlined as being wealthy, feminine, kind and loving. There was also a variety of animals such as birds, similar to the animals in 'Snow white', this gave sandy a 'Snow white' feel to the character due to Snow white being released in the 1950's so viewers had a strong association.

American Horror Story

- The genre throughout 'American Horror story' s opening sequence is conveyed in a variety of ways, such as the soundtrack appearing to be disturbing, as well as placing a variety of creepy sound effects together to create an unsettling tone highlighting the 'horror'. Moreover theres a large use of iconic horror imagery such as skulls, blood and knives, whilst also having the font appear gothic. Most obviously, the genre is made clear through the use of title.

- Tone is used within this sequence hugely by the placement and overlapping of sound-effects, creating an unsettling, dark tone.

- To an extent we are given idea's of the time period and location. It is implied the clips are taken in the basement of a house. Theres  a sense of modern mixed with old generating an idea of being past and present. The film is likely to be set in America; 'American Horror Story'.

- There is not much given of the narrative although
the tone, location and mood helps to establish a haunted house vibe. 

- There are no characters properly introduced, although theres an idea given of there being a killer or killers. This is highlighted through the POV shot of someone searching with a flashlight showing discovery and uncovering the unknown. Additionally,
theres a camera shot showing a white dress connoting female innocence and stereotypically being a victims again underlining a theme of death and murder. 

To conclude, it is clear that both 'American Horror Story' and 'Grease' are very good and successful at establishing genre as well as giving us a clear understanding of what the film might entail. However in my opinion I believe 'American Horror Story's' opening sequence is of a greater success due to leaving the viewer with more questions and personally by leaving me with these questions i want to watch on. Although 'Grease' is very successful and unique in the way the opening sequence is carried out I dont think that there needs to be such a large bit of information given in just the opening scene alone. 'American Horror Story's' opening not only leaves us with questions but also makes us feel slightly on edge which reflections the right emotions that should be being perceived due to the genre being 'Horror'.