Research: Scream Analysis - Miss Begum

Scream Analysis

How is the opening sequence of 'Scream' conventional to a thriller opening?

The opening sequence of 'Scream' prominently demonstrates fantastic examples of a conventional thriller opening. In these scenes that are presented to the audience, spine chilling themes are portrayed within the sequence such as death, torture and isolation through where we are able to witness the mental torture of a young and vulnerable victim home alone. The antagonist does not make an appearance throughout the interrogation however the use of the phone is a constant tool to terrify the victim. In this opening, it displays several great examples of sound, editing, cinematography and mise en scene which I will explore.

Mise en scene is the first technique used in the sequence, using the phone as it's main iconography, the audience are automatically introduced to this object in which is the main focus of the entire opening. When it rings, the audience are suddenly anxious wondering who might be at the other end at this time of night, we are already able to interpret that something is quite peculiar with this phone call. The phone questionably ringing allows the audience to make easy interpretations because as as soon as the mystery caller speaks, we get no name or any identification whatsoever of who he/ she might be.
A close-up shot is shortly used to capture possible connotations of the phone taking up most of the screen further illustrates its importance as well as portraying the off-screen sound of the antagonist's voice on the phone. The off-screen sound of the antagonist's voice is significant as it is responsible for the chilling response to the audience, an uneasy atmosphere is created as the young, beautiful girl receives an anonymous phone call in the middle of the night. The audience by now should immediately feel anxious on the the victims behalf as the suspicious phone call constantly rings.
A panning shot is used to subtly transit the shot of the phone to the damsel-in-distress to be, in addition, this simple camera movement is there so it does not confuse the audience on what is currently happening.
Conventional thriller techniques such as the victim's costume, hair and make-up indicates that she is clearly the victim even without anything happening just yet. This is conventional to a typical thriller because the audience are able to identify connotations of purity, innocence and vulnerability through her choice of clothing, hair and make-up. The lack of protection is described through the conventional warm, beige and other bright colours in the room further indicating that she is exposed to any danger that may lurk before her. Furthermore, the bright flashy colours are used to connote safety and security but we soon learn later the dark and gloomy outcome. Moreover, her pretty make-up that is put on neatly and blonde hair brushed to perfection allows the audience to clearly assume that she is the victim and nothing more.
The victim continues to happily engage in a strange conversation with the anonymous caller which we all learn later is the antagonist due to his mystery identity we as the audience are unable to uncover.
An abrupt establishing shot is used of the house from outside portrays devastation and gloom foreshadowing the tragic upcoming events. In addition, the murder takes place in the middle of the night which is conventional for a thriller because there is nobody typically around at night which additionally suggests that nobody will be able to help the girl.
Still on the phone with the mystery man, she stops at the table to play with the kitchen knife place in the center of the counter. This is the use of iconography and the main focus the director chose to present to the audience as it proposes her death may be revolved around this knife.
Frozen in fear, the victim is shocked when the mystery man calls her name out loud and a reaction shot is used to capture her emotions. It quickly flickers to the popcorn she placed onto the stove earlier as it gradually grows bigger informing the audience that her choice to proceed in this conversation is getting herself into danger.

When the damsel-in-distress goes to lock the doors, the house gradually grows darker as the use of low-key lighting sets the mood further connoting feelings of gloom and darkness ahead. The victim immediately develops a sense of fear when a long-shot is used to portray this. We are able to see evidently that she is afraid because we are able to witness her terrified facial expression and body language creasing to a ball of vulnerability.
Non-diegetic sound is shortly used when a soundtrack is played in order to build tension for the audience furthermore making us sympathise towards the victim. When the antagonist continues to interrogate her, a personal view shot of the victim is used to explain her current emotions and mentality during this frightening scenario. Here the audience are able to understand her current situation more which becomes much more thrilling. When the victim had finally had enough, she erupts with fury scolding the caller for calling again. Fast-pace editing is used in this extract when the female victim runs frantically to each and every door by locking it in panic. She enters a dark corridor with low-key lighting approaching her as the non-diegetic soundtrack is played once again. The female victim clearly upset about the situation cries and walks away from the phone when the doorbell rings frightening her. All emotions captured through her facial expression and body language is obtained with a long shot.

Told to stay on the phone or else, she continues to cry. The female victim's facial expression is filled with dear and terror as the antagonist threatens her over the phone. It portrays her as a weak and fragile individual as she is unable to protect herself knowing she cannot ignore the phone call as the antagonist knows too much. The chilling outcome generates a fearful atmosphere for the audience as we are unaware of the antagonists whereabouts and how he is so knowledgeable telling the victim about herself. We are able to read her body language clearly as it is tensed, she crawls and hugs her legs hoping for the antagonist to not find her or attack. Reaction shots are consistently used so the audience are able to clearly understand her emotions evidently proposed when the damsel-in-distress reacts after seeing her boyfriend tied to a chair outside. She then realizes that not only she's in danger but her boyfriend too who is then stabbed to death later on when she hysterically cries and screams for help. Thus creates a nerve-wrecking response from the audience as they are able to learn how disturbed the antagonist is and that he is extremely knowledgeable due to being to get hold of his victims close one beforehand. This is conventional to  the thriller genre as it is expected for the female victim to be put in this difficult, life-altering position by the antagonist causing her to be traumatized and vulnerable.

When the masked antagonist finally makes his appearance, the victim is able to escape from his hold, hiding outside and trying to inevitably escape her current situation. Low-key lighting is used once again as well as a black filter used to connote danger and additionally symbolizing death and no escape. A murder is always conventionally taken placed during the night in thrillers because its less likely to be identified plus no one will hear the screams of the victim. When the antagonist finally finds the girl and starts chasing her, it produces a chilling response from the audience as the adrenaline and tension builds for them due to the event taking place at night making them fearful. Low-key lighting is persistently used during the chase as it portrays the antagonists threatening and psychotic characteristics.
Additionally, the setting is located in a suburban area making it impossible for the female to seek assistance. This creates a spine chilling vibe response from the audience as they know the victim will eventually be killed by the antagonist. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the victims homes are the prior location for an attack or murder to take place as it heightens the suspense.

Overall the extensive use of the micro elements in the Scream sequence  makes it conventional to a thriller genre and opening as it creates suspense for the audience who are constantly on the edge of their seats patiently or not, waiting for the outcome of the current situation. When I create my thriller film, I am able to consider these special micro elements to ensure it is suitable for a thriller. I need to recognize the victims clothing, hair and make-up for the audience to able to understand their representation while the antagonist must wear dark coloured clothing so he is not as noticeable, further connoting  power and dark intentions.