Inspiration from American Horror Story - Murder House (Opening Credits)

The opening credits of American Horror Story - Murder House reflects the genre of horror whilst maintaining an enigmatic atmosphere through creative and original ideas. 

The impressive use of mise-en-scene in the Murder House opening credits is what creates the eerie and ominous tone that is presented within the opening. This is created through the use of old, sepia-toned pictures of disturbing Victorian children alongside jars of preserved, deformed foetuses. The jar mise-en-scene is an idea that we would be interested in trying, as we believe this would be a good way to convey information about our killer whilst committing to the horror genre. 

Using a combination of fast-paced cuts of shots of mise-en-scene and handheld camera in a dark basement, a creepy and disturbing feeling is created. The editing also works well in synchronisation with the soundtrack. The soundtrack is distorted and abstract, with and eerie tune underlying loud, mechanical noises. 

The typography used for the titles reflects the horror genre as the font is quite archaic, with spot detailing to create the effect of the titles looking from the middle ages, at a time of covens and genuine beliefs of witches. This adds to the traditional theme that is presented throughout the credits, with the mise-en-scene of old photographs and old jars.

This archaic theme is further portrayed through the burned up film that is used as a transition between some of the titles. This creates the idea of something being destroyed, which conforms to the themes within the horror genre. The burned up film transition also adds to the jittery and jerky editing, which further synchronises with the soundtrack, and effectively evokes a sense of wariness and fear within viewers. 

Towards the end of the credits, there is a juxtaposition of editing. This is demonstrated through the quick flickers of shots of in the basement and the slow motion white dress, falling. These two different shots set in sequence create a contrast that is unsettling for the viewer, successfully conforming the horror genre through audience response. 

The credits end with the mise-en-scene shown earlier on in the opening on fire and burning. It is also at this point that the soundtrack becomes loudest and reaches its climax. The contrast between the warm orange flames of the fire creates a contrast with the black and white photos, creating a disturbing image.