Horror Film Openings

Generally, they all start at night, so the audience knows that this is unlikely to be a cartoon film. The anchor into the Horror genre, a blue lens is usually put over the camera, because it gives a scary lighting effect. At the opening it is unlikely that you see the main protagonist, as usually you see the victim which is generally an attractive blonde.

Halloween starts with a point of view shot of the main protagonist going up to a house at night. A blue filter is used over the camera, and later on in the opening the main protagonist puts a clown mask on the camera, which is quite unusual in horror films.

Shaun of the dead starts off with main protagonist shown then opens out onto mise en scene, but this is done by the protagonist watching TV and it being on the news, which is quite unsual.

Prom Night starts with a flashback from how the main protagonist knew the killer, and how even though he has been in prison this now comes to play in the film.

Strangers starts with a wedding and is set in a rural location which signifies vulnrability aswell as being isolated.

Saw 1 starts by showing its a slasher straight away with the chains around the victims ankle, and you can guess by the name of the film and the objects in the film he will have to cut himself free.

Friday the 13th changes the production logo of paramount, and uses a red glow effect to suit the genre of the film better

Texas chainsaw massacre starts with the mise on scene at a party, and it is set at night and you dont see the main protagonist until later on, which follows the general horror film opening.

Creep starts off with the mise on scene in the train station at night, which links back to the general codes and conventions for this genre, but this time is shows the main protagonist at the start of the film as the victim and not the killer.