Scream (1996)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  Scream deconstructs the slasher genre to make a screamingly thrilling film. Specific types of film will most likely follow a formula, a structure that forms the basis of its narrative. The slasher genre is the most procedural of them all. Expendable characters meeting their untimely demise where the virgin individual survives and prepares for the sequel. Scream knows this. Craven's innovation and genre competence enables this slasher to be self-referential, providing both humour and thrills. A small town experiences a serial killer dressed in a Halloween costume, as they slaughter several students from a school. Its deconstruction is the composition of the story's construction. The outstandingly memorable opening sequence with Barrymore sets the narrative's tone instantaneously. The serial killer toys with her psychologically by playing a game of movie trivia, a quiz I would like to participate in if I were to be brutally murdered. This referential humour complements the violent stabbing and intestine pulling rather well. Craven, clearly a fan of horror films, shows his adoration for the genre by understanding it. He acknowledges specific tropes and utilises them to their full potential. Various characters are one-dimensional, but that's the point. Does it necessarily make a good film? Yes and no. Exposing weaknesses in a genre and yet still using them shows that you are still conforming to the set rules, as opposed to making it that little bit more fresh. Don't get me wrong, this is enjoyably innovative, but tries so hard that specific twists in the story are underwhelming. The constant use of horror references nearly made my ears bleed. 'Carrie', 'Friday the 13th' and even Craven's own film! It was like a tsunami, and I wish it was just a wave instead. Also the musical score was overwhelming occasionally, although excellent use of 'Halloween' in the background. Still, an entertainingly unconventional thriller that relishes in its meta nature. Keep an eye out for that severe weather warning though, because Gale Weathers rapidly approaches and she owns the film, taking no prisoners.

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