What Makes An Effective Horror Opening Sequence?

From my research I have found that there are several ways in which a horror opening sequence can be made effective:

• Micro features which can help to make an effective opening include parallel music which can make the audience panic and feel what the character is feeling if they are being chased for example the music could be very jumpy representing their heartbeat racing in fear.
  


• Different camera angles can also make an opening more effective as if they use a extreme close up on the victims face it will be apparent to the audience the fear that the characters are feeling.
  


• The way in which the opening is edited also adds effect to the scene as if there are a lot of jump shots it puts the audience on edge as it looks as if something is about to happen.
  


• The lighting used in an opening scene can produce fear for the audience as if there is only a limited amount of lighting it makes it look as if something could be lurking in the darkness which in the case of horror films is often the antagonist. An example of this is in 'Dead Again'; shown below, the antagonist is shown in limited lighting warning the audience of who the antogonist is.


• The reality of the characters and storyline can make an opening effective as the more believable and naturalistic it is the more the audience can relate to it which will make them more scared whilst watching.

• Mise-en-scene can also make an opening to a horror film effective as it can show the audience what is to come in the film , therefore acting as a hook which makes an effective opening.
  
  
• A hook creates an effective opening as it makes the audience want to find out what happens in the rest of the film.
  
  
• The introduction of the characters in an opening scene can also make it effective as the audience may be able to relate to the characters and their situations which could make the reviews better for the film as it would therefore be more realistic.
  
  
• The iconography used in an opening scene can also make an opening effective as it can hint to the audience what is to come in the film e.g. In Scream she plays around with the knifes whilst on the phone suggesting that this will be a weapon used later on in the film.