KT: Analysis of Opening Sequence of Scream (Craven,1996) )

KT:Analysis of Opening Sequence of Scream (Craven,1996)
Genre
This film partakes in a number of different sub genres of horror including mystery and slasher/stalker. In the opening sequence the title of the film in shows in red with a non diegetic scream following. The scene opens with a phone ringing and a woman picks up, the man who rung starts asking her questions to which she responds "I think you have the wrong number."
The woman hangs up and walks away yet the phone rings again, this starts to create a sense of mystery and tension as the mans voice seems to be very calm and confident.  The woman then puts something on the stove and the diegetic sound of the phone ringing again occurs. She picks up and the conversation that follows seems to be flirtatious no her part and concerning on the mans part. He asked a number of personal questions which seem alarming yet she is willingly answering. This is almost a cliché in horror in that the woman does not seem alarmed. While talking on the phone the woman stands by the kitchen knives and pulls one out; this is a use of iconography in horror however it is ironic as she is the victim in this sequence. A non diegetic background music is introduced which creates suspension as the conversation turns more sadistic. "I want to know who I'm looking at" the man says, the woman now gets concerned and starts locking doors and hanging up the phone. This action has the audience alarmed as the situation is getting more serious.
Film Language
This opening uses a number of different techniques to ensure that the audience gripping technique is effective. As the scene is fist shown the title sequence fades with non diegetic use of screams and a diegetic use of a phone ringing. This effect has the audience on edge as it is foreshadowing the outcome. A handicam is used to follow the woman as she moves around while speaking on the phone. A close up is used on her face to ensure her expression is being read while still having some background included in the shot so the audience knows where the location is. The scene then changes to a tilt angle shot which pans down on the house, this creates a motion of unease. A swing then moving back and forth is shown which again create tension as it seems mysterious as there is a thought that there was recently a presence there. This motion grips the audience as they feel on edge.
Narrative
The plot in the opening scene of Scream has a young woman who is the babysitter answering the house phone. The antagonist rings and begins making conversation with her. The woman responds in a flirtatious manner, not sensing the seriousness of the situation. She hangs up yet the antagonist rings again. The protagonist once again hangs up but the man begins asking questions. The woman then starts to lock the doors and shut the curtains, becoming more scared and aware of the sinister tone the conversation has taken.
Representation & Ideology
The social groups represented in the opening scene of scream are gender and age. Gender is represented by the woman as being flirtatious and playful. This connotes a sense of ignorance to the issue as the woman has not realized she is in danger at first. The woman is sexualised at first as she her tone of voice is teasing to the man and she asks if he wants to take her out. Gender is also represented through the antagonist being a man which is a use of iconography in horror. Age is also denoted through the young woman. Youth is shown to be naïve and innocent as the young woman is unsuspecting at first of the conversation and begins to flirt.
Institutional Context
The actors who star in this film were not A-listers at the time with the exception of Courteney Cox who stared in friends so was known at the time by audiences. However, Drew Barrymore went on to be very successful and have an A-list status. The production budget for the film was $14 million. The film then went on to have a Total Domestic Gross of $103,046,663. Scream was released in December 20th, 1996. On the opening weekend it received $6,354,586.
The movie had a wide release and was viewed in 1,994 theatres. The film was distributed by 'Dimension Films' and has gone on to release another 3 films in the series. The film does not have any extreme special effects as in 1996 the technology was not a developed as it is now. In the opening sequence the non diegetic scream that we hear sets the tone and genre of the movie. In the opening scene there is little evidence that the film should have cost that much to make as it is in a simple house which could be a set or a location.