Scream Analysis

How is the opening sequence of Scream

Conventional to a thriller opening?

 

At the very start of the opening sequence, we see establishing shot which is used to set the scene/ surrounding. It shows that the scene will take place in someone’s home; this is clearly dramatic irony as the home is supposed to be a place of safety and comfort. The image of the house has quite chilling feel to it, because it is in a quite secluded area, at night time; this instantly puts the audience in an uncomfortable feeling, as they await something horrific to occur. This scene is very conventional to thriller movies, as people expect dangerous things such as murder happen during night. This will make the audience feel sympathy towards the victim because they can estimate that her safety is at stake.

In scene, the female victim appears very relaxed in the comfort of her own home; we are shown this with the use of her relaxed posture, and facial expression. As the phone rings the first time, she is very calm, and seems to be a little playful or a little flirtatious with the mysterious caller. This indicates to us the audience that she feels very secure. This is conventional to the thriller genre because scenes normally start off with equilibrium, with an innocent, unaware victim.

As we continue further into the scene, we see the victim’s body language change into a different state and become more uncomfortable, as her body language changes to more stiff state and movement becomes edgy. Her facial expressions show a more fearful look; this shows she is slightly more aware of impending danger. At this moment in the scene, a very eerie non-diegetic soundtrack starts to play faintly, connoting that something is about to happen and accompanies the victims movements, body language and facial expression. This instils a sense of fear into the audience as they are more aware of the actions that are about to come into play. This is very conventional to the genre because fast paced soundtracks are normally used to indicate danger.

Once the female victim realises that the mysterious caller is quite suspicious and poses a threat, the diegetic clown like laughter of the caller becomes much creepier to the audience, because what we first thought was something playful has been turned into something evil. A shot of medium close up is used when we see her peering out of the back door. Here, we notice that she is wearing cream, this suggests to her innocence as a teenager. This is quite conventional, because most female victims tend to wear white or clearer colours because it connotes purity, and vulnerability.

Also, the low key lighting of the lights outside, are faintly shining on her face, which highlights her terrified facial expression, as well as makes the rest of the setting around her appear more scary, as more shadows of the objects behind her, are cast. This represents a thriller film, because shadows and silhouettes create a fear of the unknown in both the audience and characters in the scene.