Scream (1996) Review
Synopsis:
A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.
Cast:
Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott.
Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers.
David Arquette as Dewey Riley.
Skeet Ulrich as Billy Loomis.
Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker.
Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher.
Rose McGowan as Tatum Riley.
Jamie Kennedy as Randy Meeks.
Liev Schreiber as Cotton Weary.
W. Earl Brown as Kenny.
Roger L. Jackson as Ghostface (voice).
Lisa Beach as TV reporter #1.
Kevin Patrick Walls as Steve.
Carla Hatley as Casey’s mother.
Joseph Whipp as Sheriff Burke.
Frances Lee McCain as Mrs. Riley.
Leonora Scelfo as Cheerleader in bathroom.
Lawrence Hecht as Neil Prescott.
Nancy Anne Ridder as Girl in bathroom.
C. W. Morgan as Hank Loomis.
Lisa Canning as reporter.
Troy Bishop as expelled teen #1.
Ryan Kennedy as expelled teen #2.
Kurtis Bedford as bored teen.
David Booth as Casey’s father.
*Source: Google Search
Box Office (Worldwide): $173 million
Budget: $14 million
*Source: boxofficemojo
Review:
Scream, the 1996 horror film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, is a movie that has truly stood the test of time. This iconic film has not only left an indelible mark on the horror genre but also on cinema as a whole. Scream is a brilliant blend of horror, comedy, and mystery, making it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
The story follows Sidney Prescott, played by the talented Neve Campbell, as she becomes the target of a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. This masked assailant terrorizes Sidney and her friends in the small town of Woodsboro, leading to a series of brutal murders. As the body count rises, Sidney must confront her past and fight for her survival.
One of the most notable aspects of Scream is its self-awareness and clever subversion of horror movie tropes. The film is famous for its opening scene, where Drew Barrymore’s character Casey Becker engages in a chilling phone call with the killer. This scene is both terrifying and humorous, setting the tone for the rest of the film. Throughout Scream, characters frequently reference and discuss horror movies, demonstrating a keen understanding of the genre’s conventions. This meta-narrative adds a layer of depth to the film, making it a unique and engaging experience for viewers.
The cast of Scream delivers outstanding performances, with each actor bringing their own unique flavor to the film. Neve Campbell shines as Sidney Prescott, portraying her character’s vulnerability and strength with equal conviction. The late Wes Craven’s direction is masterful, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the use of tight spaces and disorienting angles adding to the film’s overall sense of unease.
The film’s violence was groundbreaking at the time, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream horror. This helped pave the way for a new era of more intense and visceral horror movies. However, Scream never relies solely on gore to scare its audience. Instead, it uses suspense, tension, and well-crafted scares to keep viewers invested in the story.
Scream has left a lasting impact on the horror genre, spawning numerous sequels and influencing countless films that came after it. The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to balance horror and comedy, creating a truly unique experience for the viewer. Scream remains a must-watch for fans of the genre and a shining example of what horror movies can achieve when they dare to break the mold.
Personal Rating: 10/10
