Group 9 - Foundation Production: GT-Scream (Craven, 1996)

SCREAM OPENING 5 MINUTES

Genre

Scream comes under the sub-genres of Slasher and Psychological, in a sense combining the two. Scream (1996) is the first of four films, sharing similar characteristics with films like: Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday The 13th. All these films follow a psychologically challenged antagonist who kills for the sake of killing.

This opening sequence is fulfilling in the audiences generic expectations. The repetition of the phone call signifies that 'stalker' feeling gathered in similar horror films. This is also effective in the general build up, in turn creating tension and thus the visceral feeling of anxiety is transmitted to the audience.

The sequence is very iconic of horror films and does not show any signs of sarcasm that is expected in spoof films such as 'Scary Movie' for example.

Film Narrative

Camera distances and movement are combined in this opening sequence. For example when the stranger on the phone implies he is looking at her through the windows, the camera becomes canted and moves in towards her face so we can get a better insight into the victim's reaction. Also, the camera is used in contrast with the plot in this opening sequence, as the camera is always following the woman around in a pestering sort of way, such as the man on the phone who keeps ringing. This also contributes to the build up of tension.

Editing is used to convey meaning in significant ways. For example intercutting juxtaposition is used between the woman and the pop corn to convey tension. As the tension with the woman and the stranger increase, the popcorn begins to screech. This intercutting purely emphasises the tension.

Mise-en-scene is used to signify meaning in many ways. For example sound. Sound is used to build up tension through the use of non-diegetic sounds such as the violin music as well as diegetic sounds, like the popcorn, as mentioned before, and lastly the deep, croaky voice through the phone. The location of a house is also used to conjure feelings of anxiety, as the man is watching through the windows and could be anywhere, personified through the fact this scene was shot at night.

We learn throughout the sequence that the woman is the victim and also her boyfriend (though we do not see him). The woman is being harassed by a man down the phone who we can assume to be the main antagonist. Dialogue is key when determining the characters' roles. Such as when the man down the phone states 'I'll gut you like a fish!' and '(I want) To see what your insides look like!'. The dialogue of the woman is also significant in determining her role as the victim, through her various screams, as well as statements like 'What do you want from me?!'

This sequence does not use any visual effects, however concentrates on a more basic approach to horror by setting it up in a domestic location that the audience can all relate to.

The title is also used as a device to scare. 'Scream' is the word and title of the film that comes up initially in white, then turns to red (connotative to blood) accompanied with a load gun shot, a telephone ringing and eerie violin sounds.

Narrative

The film initiates in a house, concentrating on a woman, young in age, probably around 21 years old. As she prepares to watch a film by making pop corn, she gets a phone call from a stranger who claims to have called the wrong number. despite this, the stranger is relentless in calling, until threatening her.

Initially, the image portrayed by the sequence is calm and basic, however at the point where the woman realises she is being terrorised editing speed increases. This technique creates a tense atmosphere for the audience.

The main themes portrayed through this sequence include: stalking and anonymity in that the audience are not given indications as to who the antagonist is and why he is threatening the woman.

Tension is created using many aspects mentioned above; such as the intercutting between the popcorn and the phone conversations which offer a parallel for one another. Also through the use of non diegetic sound, layered up until certain points where 'bombshells' are dropped where there is use of crescendos.

Representation and Ideology

The social groups represented in this sequence are only male and female. The female is represented in such a way that she is helpless without her boyfriend (for example when she threatens the stranger on the phone telling him her boyfriend will kill him).

This is iconic in many horror films, in that a female is commonly represented as the 'damsel in distress' and it's up to the man to save her. This goes against contemporary outlook on gender equality, and is therefore a binary opposite in the film.

Media and Audiences

I believe this film is targeted towards the core audience for horror which at the moment stands at ages 15-24. This is due to the film's explicit nature being appropriate for teens and offering a reasonable amount of graphic content to attract slightly older audiences as well.

The audience readings of this sequence are open to opinion, as not much is understood in terms of the reasoning behind what is going on, such as why the stranger is targeting the woman. However, generally, audiences will envision the situation on how it is actually played out. The woman is being terrorised by a stranger.

As a youthful member of society, I am able to relate in some sort of way the life that the woman in the sequence leads, and have always imagined various scenarios such as how defenceless i would be if someone tried to break into the house when I'm alone.

Institutional Context

Woods Entertainment were the production company for Scream and it was distributed by Dimension Films, making it an independent film. The film ran on a budget of around $15 million, but proved extremely successful in the box office grossing over $173 million.

What reflects this film's independent nature is noticeable through the amateur acting. However aside from this, Scream does well in supplying audiences with a well made film with a great storyline as well; which is a challenge to succeed in for most horror films.

Group 9 - Foundation Production