Analysis of Opening Title Sequence

This is the opening title sequence to American Horror Story Asylum the third season in the AHS franchise. This season is based in an insane asylum during the 1960's.

This OTS is 1:14 long and contains dis-jointed images and videos of characters and setting. The titles in this OTS are in the AHS's signature font that features in each season, the titles appear at regular intervals and show the main characters regularly featured in the program. The sequence includes very little about the plot or characters in the show, it also includes  music box like music that does not match the images on screen this creates a creepy atmosphere that comes with the horror genre as well as the dark lighting.

The pace that the shots appear on the screen is synchronised with the changes of tempo in the music this immerses the audience and creates a flow between images that should not flow. The sequence includes very little diegetic sound from the clips and instead the music replaces most sound.

The sequence creates an enigma by only representing the theme and not introducing any of the characters or plot through anything other than fast-paced shots that say little about the characters and story. This draws audience attention as they will want to discover the characters in the show.


American Horror Story Asylum from maria on Vimeo.