Opening Analysis: ‘Scream’

Opening Analysis: ‘Scream’

The scene opens with non-diegetic sound, which builds tension at the same rate as the volume increases. This pre-warns the audience that something scary is about to happen. This thought is then contradicted by a phone ringing, as this common sound makes the audience feel safe and not at any risk of danger. It is also a common convention of horror films as it acts as an enigma code for the person that is on the other end of the line, creating a fear of the unknown. Other films such as ‘The Ring, ‘When a Stranger Calls’ and ‘One Missed Call’ are heavily based around this concept of phone calls. There is then a crescendo of a screaming sound as the title ‘Scream’ which is written on the screen, changes from the colour white to red. The connotations of the colour red are anger, danger and death and is a colour commonly used in the horror genre. It is also un-coincidentally the colour of blood so has a further link to horror.

There is then the first visual, which is of the phone and the diegetic sound of the phone ringing again. Someone says ‘hello’ on the other end of the line and the girl replies confidently, in a slight flirtatious manner. The medium close up shot of the phone, which is clearly the main focus of the shot, shows that it has some importance and significance. The phone rings yet again, this now enforces an association for the audience with the ringing of the phone, and the familiar voice of the criminal on the other end of the line.

The general casting used as a female for the victim is useful as they are easier to make feel victimized, as they are perceived as weaker and less physically able. This is a typical convention of horror. The girl is also home alone making her appear more vulnerable than if she had someone to help her.  She is also wearing a white shirt which has connotations to innocence and therefore suggests that she is the victim. The use of a male as the criminal is also familiar in horror films, as they are perceived to be stronger in general and with a greater ability to do harm due to their power.

The phone rings again and it shows that the man is clearly trying to get to know the girl and talk to her. She is showing a disinterest, however she is not fazed by the repetitive phone calls. This may give the audience a false sense of security as they might replicate the emotions of the character. The camera shots used are medium shots whilst the girl is on the phone to capture her facial expressions. The angle it is held at however, is distorted and tilted very slightly so that the audience may not notice, but something clearly isn’t quite right as the camera angle would be normal and in parallel with the action.

There is then a panning establishing shot of the house from outside. The use of low key lighting makes the setting appear scary as darkness links to the unknown. A swing is captured with the enhanced sound of it swinging to suggest that something may have recently been sitting on it. Furthermore, the sound and look of a swing is typical in a horror film as it creates an uneasy feeling, and when moving on its own, creates links to the paranormal. There are sounds of nature quietly in the background whilst this shot takes place.

The sound and sight of someone turning on a gas cooker then makes the audience jump as it happens so quickly having cut from the last shot. The girl puts popcorn on the hob and the phone begins to ring again. This time she huffs, showing it is annoying her. When she answers, she questions for the first time ‘who is this?’. This is a key moment as her facial expression captures that she is being slightly scared by this series of events now. This moment is when things start going bad.

Their conversation continues and, having used the sound of popcorn as a link in the chat, they get onto the subject of horror movies. She clearly likes them as she begins explaining her favourite one. Whilst doing so, she coincidentally begins playing with a knife (typical convention of horror as it is a weapon), which may begin to psychologically make the audience feel uneasy. After more time spent on the phone, he asks for her name again and she refuses to give away her identity again. She asks him ‘why?’ and he replies ‘because I want to know who I’m looking at’. A medium close up shot of her face allows her facial expression to be captured the moment she hears this line. Her smiley expression drops to a face of fear. There is a silence, which adds tension and uneasiness for the audience. It is commonly used in horror films as it contradicts sound. A diegetic sound of a dog barking can be heard, which creates this typical homely and familiar atmosphere for the audience. She turns on the outside lights and a panning shot captures where her eyes would be looking to see if anyone is watching her before locking the door. There is match on action as the shot cuts to a close up of her twisting the lock. This is a significant moment as her fear begins to be shown, which is relayed onto the audiences feelings in some cases.

She hangs up the phone and non-diegetic music begins playing to create a typically eerie atmosphere.

(analysed until 2:50)