research and planning

We watched the opening scenes from a number of DVDs of horror/thriller genre, including titles such as 28 days later, the grudge and the scream trilogy. we have noticed that the majority of the opening scenes from these films have a dark mysterious establishing shot which sets the scene of  the genre. they then go on to the story line (everyday life) or in some cases straight into the action, like in The Grudge a suicide scene is in the first 2 minutes.