What are the ingredients of an opening of a horror film?

From my point of view, I believe the key ingredient of the opening of a horror film is, first if all a good plot. Something gripping, that will instantly grasps the audience’s attention, and force them onto the edges of their seats, and make them unable to switch off. In the opening scene we need to introduce the crime—which tells you the stakes, as well as introducing the hero and villain, and even some obstacles the protagonist may face. Moreover, I think that early on, you need to make it clear what your protagonist wants and what he fears. Personally, I think that the opening scene has to have lots of violence and has to be tense; from my point of view this is the most effective way to open a horror film.  

Secondly, I think that the scene can play a huge part in creating a successful opening scene to a horror film. To create the tensest and most gripping opening scene, I believe there needs to be: possibly an abandoned scene, which is derelict and run down, maybe graffiti on the wall, smoke, simply somewhere that creates anticipation and the weather (pathetic fallacy.) I think that there needs to be a lot of tension and scenes of fear. Iconography includes weapons and locks, for example, padlocks, locked doors, cupboards, items that all contribute to the tension being created.

Furthermore, the editing of the opening of a horror film can make the film far more intriguing. For example; quick cuts, and a fitting sound track, as well as fast paced editing can make the opening scene of a horror film far more realistic and make you feel like you are there in that situation with the characters, feeling the same fear, anxiety and tension as the characters.  Fast paced editing will force you to be in that situation, you won’t have time to think logically, and think of the safest and best thing to do at that given time. Quick cuts again will put you in the same situation as the characters, it will move quickly. For example, you might hear a bang but not see it.