Yes, the first Scream is a truly scary movie, even for today’s audiences. While it’s celebrated for its meta-humor and self-awareness, director Wes Craven masterfully uses suspense, shocking violence, and a relatable setting to create a genuinely frightening experience. The film revitalized the slasher genre in the mid-90s, and its influence can still be seen in horror films today 1. Beyond its scares, Scream offers a commentary on the media, teen culture, and the psychology of violence, making it a truly impactful and thought-provoking film 2.
One of the most significant aspects that sets Scream apart is its opening scene. This scene, featuring Drew Barrymore, is particularly effective in establishing the stakes and subverting audience expectations. Craven draws the audience in by initially focusing on a familiar trope – a teen girl home alone answering a mysterious phone call. However, he quickly subverts this trope by killing off the seemingly main character within the first 15 minutes 3. This unexpected turn of events immediately throws the audience off balance and establishes that no one is safe in this film. The scene is further intensified by the way Ghostface toys with Casey before killing her, forcing her to answer horror movie trivia questions with increasingly dire consequences 3. This psychological torture adds another layer of horror to the scene and makes it all the more terrifying.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes Scream so scary:
The Master of Suspense
Wes Craven, the director of Scream, was already a legend in the horror genre, having directed classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street. In Scream, he expertly employs classic horror techniques to create suspense 4. For example, in the opening scene, Craven uses a Dutch angle when Casey first answers the phone, subtly creating a sense of unease and foreshadowing the danger to come. As the conversation progresses, the camera slowly moves into a tight shot of Casey’s face, emphasizing her growing fear and isolation. The use of music and pacing also plays a crucial role in building suspense. The score becomes increasingly intense as the scene unfolds, and the quick cuts between Casey and the masked figure lurking outside heighten the tension.
Here are some other ways Craven masterfully builds suspense throughout the film:
- The Phone Calls: Ghostface’s chilling voice, provided by Roger L. Jackson, becomes a source of terror in itself. The killer toys with his victims over the phone, asking them horror movie trivia questions and making threats 3. This technique preys on a common fear – the vulnerability of being alone and receiving a threatening phone call.
- The Familiar Setting: Scream takes place in an idyllic suburban town, a setting that most viewers can relate to. This makes the violence feel more real and immediate, as it could happen anywhere 4.
- The “Not Quite Dead” Trope: Scream plays with the classic horror trope of the killer seemingly dying, only to come back to life for one last scare. One example of this is when Billy appears to be dead after a confrontation with Sidney, but then suddenly rises, only to be shot by Sidney 4. This keeps the audience on edge, never knowing when the danger has truly passed.
Shocking Violence and Gore
While Scream is known for its humor, it doesn’t shy away from violence. The opening scene, in particular, is brutal and shocking, with the death of Drew Barrymore’s character, Casey Becker, setting the tone for the rest of the film 3. The violence in Scream is not just gratuitous; it serves to disrupt the familiar teen movie setting and create a sense of unease 3. The brutal killing of Casey, a seemingly innocent and popular teenager, shatters the idyllic facade of Woodsboro and establishes that no one is safe from Ghostface’s wrath.
A Meta Approach to Horror
Scream is a self-aware horror film that acknowledges and subverts the clichés of the genre. The characters in the film are horror movie fans themselves, and they often discuss the “rules” of horror movies 4. This meta approach adds another layer to the scares, as the characters (and the audience) are aware of the tropes, but still find themselves falling victim to them.
One of the most unique aspects of Scream‘s meta approach is the reveal that there are two killers, Billy and Stu 4. This subverts the typical slasher trope of a single killer and adds to the unpredictability of the film. The audience is constantly kept guessing, not only about the identity of the killer but also about their motives and methods.
Critical Reception
Scream was a critical and commercial success, with many reviewers praising its unique blend of horror, humor, and self-awareness. On IMDB, the film has a user rating of 7.4 out of 10, based on 1.3k user reviews 5. Here’s a summary of some of the top user reviews:
- Many viewers found the film to be genuinely suspenseful and scary, with the opening scene being particularly effective.
- The film’s meta-humor and self-awareness were also praised, with many reviewers appreciating the way Scream subverted horror movie tropes.
- The performances were generally well-received, with Neve Campbell’s portrayal of Sidney Prescott being singled out for praise.
Overall, the critical reception of Scream further supports the claim that it is a truly scary movie that has resonated with audiences for decades.
Scream’s Lasting Impact
Scream was a game-changer for the horror genre. It revitalized the slasher subgenre, popularized meta-horror, and subverted the “final girl” trope by having Sidney lose her virginity but still survive 4. The film’s influence can still be seen in horror movies today, and its iconic Ghostface mask has become a Halloween staple 2.
Beyond its impact on the horror genre, Scream also provides a commentary on the desensitization to violence. The film explores the idea that viewers become complicit in the violence they consume, and that this desensitization can have real-world consequences 2. This thought-provoking theme adds another layer of depth to the film and makes it more than just a typical slasher flick.
The killer’s motivation also adds to the film’s lasting impact. Billy Loomis, one of the killers, reveals that his motive for the killings stems from his mother’s affair with Sidney’s mother 7. This adds a layer of psychological complexity to the film and makes the killer more frightening. It also highlights the destructive nature of revenge and the cyclical nature of violence.
Furthermore, the use of the Ghostface mask contributes to the film’s enduring legacy. The mask is a common Halloween costume, making the killer seem like an everyday person and adding to the fear that anyone could be Ghostface 1. This element of familiarity and relatability makes the film’s scares all the more effective.
Conclusion
Scream (1996) is a truly scary movie that effectively uses suspense, violence, and meta-humor to create a frightening and thought-provoking experience. Even with its self-awareness, the film’s relatable setting, shocking violence, and masterful direction make it a genuinely terrifying watch, even for those familiar with horror movie tropes. The film’s opening scene, with its unexpected twist and brutal violence, sets the stage for a truly suspenseful and unsettling experience. The use of classic horror techniques, such as the chilling phone calls and the “not quite dead” trope, keeps the audience on edge throughout the film.
Scream‘s meta approach to horror, with its self-aware characters and subversion of genre clichés, adds another layer to the scares. The reveal of two killers and the exploration of the desensitization to violence make the film more than just a typical slasher flick. The film’s commentary on teen culture, media obsession with violence, and the psychology of revenge further contribute to its lasting impact.
Even after decades, Scream continues to resonate with audiences. Its scares hold up over time, and its themes of vulnerability, desensitization, and the consequences of violence remain relevant today. Scream is a true classic of the horror genre, and its influence can still be seen in the films that followed.
Works Cited
1. How Scream Changed the Face of Horror – MovieWeb, accessed February 6, 2025, https://movieweb.com/scream-changed-horror-genre/
2. A Culture of Violence: On Wes Craven’s Scream – Talkhouse, accessed February 6, 2025, https://www.talkhouse.com/a-culture-of-violence-on-wes-cravens-scream/
3. The Scariest Scene In Scream Cuts Right To The Point – SlashFilm, accessed February 6, 2025, https://www.slashfilm.com/847948/the-scariest-scene-in-scream-cuts-right-to-the-point/
4. Film Analysis: Scream (1996) – Borrowing Tape, accessed February 6, 2025, https://borrowingtape.com/the-cine-files/feature/film-analysis-scream-1996
5. Scream (1996) – IMDb, accessed February 6, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117571/
6. What was the cultural impact of the SCREAM movies (1996-2000) in pop culture? – Reddit, accessed February 6, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/8px6gq/what_was_the_cultural_impact_of_the_scream_movies/
7. List of Scream (film series) characters – Wikipedia, accessed February 6, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Scream_(film_series)_characters