The opening title sequence of "Dawn of the Dead" effectively sets an atmosphere of confusion and tension through its fast pacing and graphic visuals. It blurs the lines between horror and psychological thriller genres. While the graphic content is shocking, it establishes the film's genre. The sequence also introduces themes of the living versus the dead and uses stylistic techniques like color, camera angles, and music to further immerse the viewer in the story and build mystery around the events unfolding.