Scream, released in 1996 and directed by Wes Craven, is an iconic horror movie that has become a classic. The film follows a group of teenage friends, led by Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), who are terrorized by the mysterious killer, Ghostface. The movie employs a wide range of cinematic techniques to create a suspenseful atmosphere and convey a strong message about the nature of fear and the power of the media.
Scream relies heavily on the use of sound to create tension and suspense. The movie’s soundtrack is full of eerie and unsettling noises, such as the haunting, off-key rendition of the nursery rhyme “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.” In addition, the sound of a telephone ringing is used to create tension and suspense, as it is often the harbinger of doom for the characters (Harvey). The sound of Ghostface’s voice, a deep and menacing whisper, is used to frighten the characters and to create a feeling of dread. The use of cinematography in Scream is likewise effective in creating a sense of fear and suspense. The camera often lingers on the characters’ faces, conveying a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. Moreover, the camera is used to emphasize the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the movie. For example, the camera often pans to reveal unexpected or hidden elements, such as the killer’s presence or a victim’s body, which creates a sense of surprise and dread (Harvey). The use of editing in Scream is also essential in conveying the feeling of fear and suspense. The movie is full of jump scares, which are sudden and unexpected cuts that create a sense of surprise and shock. Furthermore, the editing uses misdirection, where the audience is led to believe something is going to happen, only for the scene to take an unexpected turn (Harvey). This technique builds tension and keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.
The use of mise-en-scene in Scream likewise effectively conveys a sense of fear and suspense. The movie is full of dark and creepy locations, such as abandoned houses and deserted streets, which serve to heighten the sense of dread and unease. To the bargain, the costumes of the characters, particularly that of Ghostface, are important in conveying a sense of fear and suspense (Harvey). The outfit is a dark and menacing figure, and it helps to create a sense of fear and apprehension. In addition, the theme of fear is explored in Scream. The movie is about the power of fear and how it can be manipulated and exploited by the media. The film suggests that fear can be used to manage people and control their behavior. This theme is explored through the character of Billy Loomis, a manipulative and power-hungry individual who uses fear to get what he wants (Harvey). Moreover, the movie explores the idea that fear can be used to prevent people from pursuing their dreams and ambitions.
Scream is a classic horror movie that effectively uses cinematic techniques to create a sense of fear and suspense. The film employs sound, cinematography, editing, and mise-en-scene to make a sense of tension and dread. Furthermore, the movie explores the theme of fear and the power it can have over people. Thus, through its use of cinematic techniques and its exploration of the composition of fear, Scream is an influential and iconic horror movie.
Work Cited
Harvey, Amber. M. Queer Representation in the Scream Franchise. 479. Eagle Scholar. Web.