Case Study

Scream

In December 1996 Scream, a film written by Kevin Williamson, and directed by Wes Craven was released for its American audience to see. The film was seen as unique because of the recognition of previous horror films. Although previous horror films are imitated throughout the film Scream, they are not over exaggerated; if anything they are to be taken more seriously and realistic than their actual movie.

The killers throughout this film relate to postmodernism because they link to reality due to their own mortality whereas most other horror films contain killers which can be blown up, shot, decapitated, and still not die. This reinforces that Scream is so different from typical horror films.

Scream could be seen as post modern because the narrative consists of the serial killer following a group of teenagers, and killing them one by one. Also, it is ironic considering the teenagers who are eventually killed, are fans of horror/slasher films and often watch them. They constantly draw ironic references from the horror movies they have watched with their experiences and what they do, relating to intertextuality. Scream would not be seen as a horror parody, because it imitates other horror movies, and mocks them without exaggeration. Scream reflects pastiche because it uses moments which are included in other films, such as: Halloween (1979), and Friday the 13^th (1980).

The amount of intertextuality included throughout the film enhances the post modernity because gives the audience ideas of what is going to happen.

Considering horror films follow certain conventions, the audience can see that the film Scream follows them however at the same time reveal humorous stages in the film, but frightening too. This is classed as postmodern because horror films are created to scare and jump the audience, however Scream can do this along with a humorous side too.

Scream is post modern because it is critiquing the horror genre and at the same time is part of it; also it pushes the rules and changes the conventions of horror/slasher movies. It is said that within the conventions of horror films that sex is never included especially when considering the final girl, not much drinking is involved because drunk people are easy targets and victims, and whoever leaves on their own never comes back alive. However in this case it is different which is where the postmodernism element comes into it. Sidney has sex and lives, Randy gets drunk and live, and Gale says, “I’ll be right back”, and he comes right back alive.