CH - Analysis of an opening sequence

Analysis of an opening sequence - Scream

Genre
The film belongs to the slasher-teen-horror genre. The audiences expectations are fulfilled by the opening sequence to a large degree, with many of the conventions of this genre being met. The text conforms to the characteristics of this genre; such as the stereotypical white female victim alone at night in a desolate house, being hunted through a drawn out chase scene.

Film language
Mise-en-scene conveys meaning in this sequence in many ways; for instance, the white jumper and blonde hair of the victim portrays innocence and naivety, or the large, wealthy house could portray that the killer is indiscriminate towards social class.
The camera shot size is mostly MS or CU, conveying imminent danger and emotional suspense. The movement is fast paced, and the angle is horizontal as if the camera is the POV of another character watching the scene pan out.
Sound anchors the images well; for instance, the shrill peal of the phone signifies danger, and the husky voice of the caller sets a tense undertone behind what could be a casual flirtatious conversation.
We learn a lot about the characters; the female character is a stereotypical female victim, beginning with open, playful, flirty non-verbal language and dialogue, such as ‘Are you asking me out?’ which quickly becomes helpless and scared, easily intimidated by an unknown assailant; his dialogue shows him as a natural predator, with a charm that puts his victim at ease but a dangerous temper when his authority is undermined (such as when she hangs up).
Another visual technique the director uses is the continued use of knives and fire. The victim casually plays with carving knives, whilst a fire is lit on the stove in ECU. These are iconic enigma which signify danger.

Narrative
The narrative is organised in a continuous, linear form, with no flashbacks or montage editing.
The audience is positioned within the narrative, largely with the female victim. Through this, the audience are made to feel her fear of the unknown (as we are not given any extra information about her future or the whereabouts of danger).
Identification and alienation are portrayed well through screen time; the victim is the obvious protagonist for her extended recognisable time on screen, whereas the antagonist is only recognisable for his actions or his voice, his identity being hidden in a very alienating manner.
Major themes in the narrative include family, relationships, trust, and violence inducing a fight or flight reaction.
Tension is created through the use of sound and visual imagery; by following the victim, we are unable to assess the impending danger therefore we are tense because we are in the position of the victim and feel their fear as our own.

Representation and Ideology
Only one main social group is presented in this sequence: the white middle class social group is presented in the main protagonist, and as we don’t know the identity of the killer we are unable to assess his/her social group.
Values and beliefs such as loyalty and bravery are shown in this sequence. The victim is asked to make a choice that may end her boyfriends life; the victims father makes a decision to keep his wife safe whilst looking for the victim himself even at great risk.

Media audiences
The target audiences are young adults from 15-25 who enjoy the horror genre, or the gore/thriller genres. Also included are the teen genres and slight romantic tendencies, so there are many possible target audiences.

Institutional context
Many stars have been used in this film; Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Drew Barrymore. This increases the target audiences, and the possible financers.
Cathy Conrad produced this film.