In 1996, horror mastermind Wes Craven released a film that would become a cult classic and spawn three sequels – Scream. On the surface, it’s a slasher movie with all the requisite gore, jump scares and memorable villains. But if you look closer, you’ll find some clever subversions to the traditional horror genre.
In this blog post, we’ll review Scream and explore how it kept audiences on their toes with its thoughtful approach to the genre. From its winking self-awareness to its smart commentary on violence in media, find out why Scream is still relevant today.
What is Scream?
Scream is a 1996 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, and Drew Barrymore. The plot follows a group of teenagers who are targeted by a masked killer known as Ghostface.
The film was considered groundbreaking when it was released for its use of humor, self-referentiality, and its deconstruction of the slasher genre. It has since been ranked as one of the greatest horror films of all time by several publications.
The film spawned a franchise, consisting of four sequels: Scream 2 (1997), Scream 2 (2000), Scream 4 (2011), and a forthcoming fifth installment (2022).
The Different Types of Screams
There are three main types of screams featured in the Scream franchise: the blood-curdling scream, the terrified scream, and the victorious scream.
The blood-curdling scream is usually uttered by the victim right before they meet their untimely demise. This type of scream is characterized by a high pitch and frantic energy. It’s meant to send chills down the viewer’s spine and signify that something truly horrific is about to happen.
Watch Scream (1996) Trailer:
The terrified scream is typically heard when a character is running away from danger or being chased by a killer. This type of scream is lower in pitch than the blood-curdling scream and conveys a sense of hopelessness and terror.
The victorious scream is less common, but it does make an appearance in certain scenes throughout the franchise. This type of scream is usually delivered after a character has faced down their fears and come out alive. It’s triumphant and empowering, signifying that even in the face of great danger, there can be hope for survival.
Pros and Cons of Screaming
If you’re a fan of horror movies, then you’ve probably seen Scream. If you haven’t seen it, then you should definitely check it out. It’s a classic film that helped to revitalize the horror genre in the 1990s.
Scream is about a group of high school students who are targeted by a masked killer. The movie is full of suspense and gore, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Someone has taken their love of scary movies one step too far.
One of the things that makes Scream so great is its use of humor. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and this helps to offset the scares. Additionally, the acting is top-notch, particularly from Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox.
However, there are also some drawbacks to Scream. For one, it’s quite graphic and may be too intense for some viewers. Additionally, the ending is a bit frustrating and doesn’t fully satisfy.
Overall, Scream is a great movie that delivers plenty of thrills and chills. Just be warned that it isn’t for everyone due to its graphic nature.
What to Do if You’re Feeling Stressed
If you’re feeling stressed, there are a few things you can do to help yourself feel better. First, try to identify what’s causing your stress. If it’s something you can change, like a stressful job or relationship, take steps to make some changes. If you can’t change the situation, try to change your perspective on it. Accept that it’s part of your life and focus on the positive aspects of it. Secondly, find healthy ways to cope with stress.
Exercise, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and spend time with friends and family. These activities will help reduce your stress levels and make you feel better. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re struggling to cope with stress on your own. A therapist can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms and work through whatever is causing your stress.
Conclusion
Scream is a classic horror movie that still stands the test of time. It has all the necessary elements to be a successful horror film; an intriguing plot, strong characters, and exciting action sequences. The use of knowing self-awareness makes it even more enjoyable as the audience gets in on its satirical humor. If you’re looking for a good scare or just something entertaining to watch on Halloween night, Scream is definitely worth your time and attention!
