American Horror Story Coven, Deconstruction

 American Horror Story Coven:

Coven is the third season of the American horror show, 'American Horror Story', premiered on October 9th, 2013. The series is about a 'coven' of witches, shown by the title sequence through numerous supernatural images, as well as it being set in a woods and a derelict looking building, conforming to common conventions.

00.1. The opening credits do not start with the title of the show, but with dark figures walking towards the camera. It is set in the woods, with smoke appearing behind the figures. Creating quite a scary and ominous feel. The use of non diegetic music adds to this. As well as this woods are commonly used in horror films/shows, so they are conforming to common representations.

0.03. As this picture appears the non diegetic music creates a static noise as the picture flickers, which is fairly surprising and could scare some viewers. Relating to the horror theme, again conforming.

0.06. This scene shows dark figures again approaching the camera, this time much closer. The mist along with the creepy figures, black and white filter and the ominous music create a very eerie atmosphere. Again conforming to common conventions of horror movies.

0.07. The non diegetic music makes a loud siren type noise to add a scary effect since it may jumpscare some audiences.

0.07. One of the Dark figures comes very close to the camera in a mid shot. The mist and woods again creates a dark atmosphere.

0.08. Again the static alarm noise is made as the name of one of the actresses appears. The writing is white and written in a fairly unique worn down style, relating to the theme of the show. It being very odd, unique and creepy.

0.11. Set in a dark room with the only light really coming from the figure. The shadow at the roof seems to be a devil/demon like creature. The use of shadows is quite effective because it is not an obvious sign of evil/danger but when discovered can be quite frightening.

0.13. This clip show a character sewing up/making what seems to be a voodoo doll. Voodoo dolls are used to harm those who have been linked with it. Setting quite a sinister tone, and possibly showing the link with witches in the series.

0.13. Most of the clips shown so far have been in black and white. However this is in colour to show the blood, possibly signifying events to come in the show, and represent the pain and deaths to come.

0.17. This shows a inhumane creature walking in the woods. Relating further with the supernatural theme of demons, voodoo dolls and other supernatural things/beings.

0.24. The voodoo doll is shown in a close up, relating to the theme of witches and allowing the audience to see the lifeless doll, in which could potentially harm someone.

0.29. Dead animals seem to be shown throughout the opening title screen, representing the theme of death.

0.37. Figures drawing on the floor are shown, seeming to be sometime of satanic/old writing. The room is very dark, the use of lighting in this clip creates a fairly creepy atmosphere.  Along with the continual non diegetic music adding to this.

0.38. The use of mise en scene, the sharp, pointy mask in this  could represent events to come, since it seems dangerous. The figure also stands out against the dark background making the mask clear to see.

0.42 The dead animal skills, could represent death within the series, the way they stick out amongst the darkness also adds to this.

0.44. There is very little colour within this opening sequence, and the use of the light amongst all the darkness is quite effective. The choose of colour being red could also represent blood. 

0.45. The use of the woods conforms to common conventions of horror movies/series since it is commonly used as a location. The figures also seem to be levitating further greatening the sense of a supernatural feel. The characters are also all dressed in black further deepening the sense of darkness.

0.46. The clip is very dark, and it seems like the main features sticking out is the characters eyes and teeth, which seem to be fairly creepy. It looks as if the character has contact lenses in to greaten the eerie feel, and the way he as smiling deepens this.

0.47. The character earlier making the voodoo cool now seems to be screaming as if she is in pain, although you can not here her. Once again potentially foreshadowing the pain to come within the series. 

0.49. This shows mysterious figures in white outfits, that flow and move as they dance around a fire, the use of mise en scene (the costumes) in this create a very good effect. There also seems to be a person burning in the fire wearing a black outfit, possibly representing good and evil.

0.52. The final scene of the sequence shows the title of the series. The writing is very unique and rather odd with the dots bellow some of the letters creating quite a supernatural feel. As well as this the writing seems fairly worn out. They have also added a vignette effect around the edges to darken the image.

Evaluation:

• Overall I think that the sequence is very good. The fact it is so unique and rather disturbing at some points adds to this.
• It also suits the genre they were going for due to the images shown and the dark effects used through out.
• The non diegetic music also helps add to the eerie effect.