Stephen King Calls This Horror Movie Opening “Genius”

Stephen King has praised the opening sequence of Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, calling it “genius” in his 2010 book, Danse Macabre.

King specifically highlighted the sequence for its combination of tension, camerawork, and narrative impact.

The film begins with a young nurse named Ana and her husband, Luis, returning home after a long day. Unaware of a breaking news emergency due to a missed broadcast, they encounter chaos the next day when a girl from their neighborhood attacks Luis and turns him into a zombie.

The carnage quickly escalates as more zombies attack civilians, creating a scene of panic and terror. Ana flees in her car, witnessing gruesome attacks along the way, setting a tense tone that persists throughout the movie.

King praised the opening for its mix of visuals and sound, noting that the sequence blends scenes of the zombie outbreak, military intervention, and news broadcasts with Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around.”

King wrote, “I’d argue that the most effective terror sequences are either the result of instinct or pure accident rather than screenwriting or direction, and that’s the case here.” He also commented on Snyder’s understanding of what drives audience fear, calling it a compelling way to set the film’s tone.

Directed by Zack Snyder in his feature debut, Dawn of the Dead is a remake of George A. Romero’s 1978 classic. The movie stars Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, and Mekhi Phifer, with cameo appearances from actors in the original film.

The remake centers on survivors trying to escape a zombie apocalypse while taking refuge in a suburban shopping mall. Snyder aimed to ground the story in realism while keeping the horror and action intense.

The film was praised for its production values, acting, and scares, though some critics felt it lacked the social commentary of Romero’s original.

Dawn of the Dead earned $102.3 million worldwide on a $26 million budget and is often cited as Snyder’s highest-rated film. Critics particularly noted the opening sequence for its dynamic camerawork and intensity, calling it one of the best in modern horror.

Despite the praise, some reviews criticized the film for focusing more on gore than on character development or satire. While the ensemble cast received mixed reactions, many critics found the performances, especially Sarah Polley’s, convincing and engaging. Overall, the film was considered a successful reinvigoration of the zombie genre for modern audiences.

King’s admiration for the opening highlights how a strong introduction can define a film’s impact. By combining precise direction, suspense, and effective storytelling, Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead opening continues to resonate with horror fans.

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