Research Into Similar Texts

As you've previously read. I have had ideas on both a slasher opening sequence as well as a zombie opening sequence. So I have decided to look into and research texts similar to that of which I'll be producing.
I firstly looked into slashers and one film in particular which was "Halloween". Made in 1978 and directed by John Carpenter. It is easily one of the most iconic and recognised horror films of all times. Also where its one of the first ever slashers, I thought it would be an ideal text to get some background information on the slasher sub genre. It uses quite simple sound effects as well as a simple yet iconic soundtrack to gain the viewers attention instantaneously. The second you hear the "Halloween" theme, you know automatically that something bad is about to happen and to achieve that simply through a soundtrack is quite impressive in itself. Theres also plenty of point of view shots from the killers perspective where we get a clear and horrifying view of how exactly he's killing his victims. Just those two little aspects of the entire movie make it quite an entertaining and effective slasher.
I then looked into some of the first ever zombie movies by George Romero. I particularly looked into "Night Of The Living Dead" which was the first in a popular zombie trilogy and even though the movie I looked into was in black and white and didn't have all the special effects, props and make up that many modern zombie movies have. Romero's work is still considered to stand out above the rest and is probably one of the best zombie movies of all time. This is because Romero was capable of creating such fear and tension within the film that the audience could acctually relate to and by doing this through his filmwork he was able to create an effective piece that earned over $18 million internationally.

Movie poster for George Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead"

My Initial Ideas For The Opening Sequence To A Horror Movie

There are 2 possible ideas I have at the moment for the opening sequence to my horror movie...

1. I was firstly thinking of a slasher opening based upon "Jack The Ripper". So the opening sequence would involve a mysterious individual stalking his prey through a secluded location to show his or her vulnerability, followed by the murder taking place and then the opening titles etc. Which sounds quite basic but with the right effects added as well as costume, make up and props. I think it could be quite an effective opening piece.
2. My second idea is a zombie based one. Basically, it would be based upon the Nazi's experiments during WW2. Where a group of Nazi scientists would discover how to bring the dead back to life. So the opening sequence would consist of their success in this experiment but with the twist of the resurrected human turning into a flesh eating, crazed maniac.

A Nazi Zombie

The History Of The Horror Genre

The horror genre was first recognised in the early 1930's when movies such as "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" were released. This was the beginning of a whole new world for the film industry as over 80 years later the horror genre still exists and is going stronger than ever with many new horror movies being released regularly.
From the 1930's to around the 50's horror consisted of a mainly "gothic" theme as most of the settings would either be darkly lit castles or dungeons etc. However by the 50's it was totally revamped as many sequels to the orignal horror films from the 30's were being re-made in colour aswell as new ideas being explored. For example Don Siegel's "Invasion of the body snatchers" (1956) which depicted a terrifying alien invasion.Or George Romero's "Night of the living dead" (1968) where the dead rose from their graves.
By the time of the 90's the horror genre had become more popular than ever with many movies such as "Scream" and "Final Destination" being produced. Even now the sequels to those very movies are being made and throughout all the years of horror, all of the ideas explored are still being re-invented and put forward as chilling, nail biting movies which almost everyone still enjoys.

Horror And Its Sub Genres

Just like any other genre, the horror genre targets a particular audience. However the horror genre intends to startle/terrify the viewer by bringing their deepest fears to life through film. How it does this depends on what sort of sub-genre the horror falls into. For example there are slasher horrors such as "Scream" and "Halloween" which normally depend on a surreal scenario of a serial killer running around a suburb with basic props such as a knife and a mask. Which becomes quite frightening as its very capable of actually happening. Theres also Sci-fi horrors such as "Alien" as well as comedy horrors like "Scary Movie". Theres a wide range of sub genres that horror falls into which all ages and audiences can enjoy. So all in all the horror genre appeals to pretty much anybody who doesn't mind being entertained by blood, guts and gore. Whether it makes us laugh or cry, most people definitely enjoy some sort of horror movie.

The killer from the movie "Scream" (1996)