10 TERRIFYING Horror Movie Openings (That Led To Disappointing Movies)

Rob Zombie is a very frustrating filmmaker, as he rarely strikes complete gold despite having immense potential and crafting at least one or two great scenes per picture. Few, if any, of his efforts go from sweet to sour as quickly and drastically as 2016’s 31.

It centers on several carnival workers who’re kidnapped and forced to defeat a slew of murderous clowns – collectively known as “The Heads” – as part of the titular competition. The final boss of the homicidal game is Doom-Head, a brilliant yet debauched killer who relishes the savagery and skill required of his work.

Played with unnerving eloquence by Richard Brake, Doom-Head’s single-shot soliloquy during 31’s prologue is arguably the most artfully disturbing scene Zombie’s ever constructed. Shot in black-and-white, it sees Doom-Head describing his ruthless personality and plan with Shakespearean gravitas before murdering his target – Pastor Victor – with an axe.

From there, however, 31’s quality absolutely plummets.

That’s true not only because Doom-Head doesn’t reappear until the last act, but also because Zombie chooses instead to dive fully into his penchant for try-hard trashiness. Both the protagonists and antagonists are irritatingly vile and superficial, exemplifying virtually all of Zombie’s worst trademark traits.

Ultimately, 31 is the equivalent of a cinematic headache, and it becomes increasingly dissatisfying once Doom-Head finishes off his initial victim.