How does the opening of scream follow the structuralist theory of the horror genre?
Structuralism is the ideology, theory or the way of thinking about the world that can be applied to the film theory. Genre and structuralism go hand in hand, those that believe that genre exists then they are identified as a structuralist. Structuralist’s film theory highlights how films convey meaning through codes and conventions. A structuralist theory has specific paradigms convey meaning and through this the slasher sub genre is shown. A prime example of this structuralist theory is scream. This is shown through the plot, theme, setting, character, props, sound and editing.
The opening scene follows’ the paradigms of a horror movie as it is set in an isolated environment and the choice of character is also linked to the theory as the main character/ prey is a vulnerable blonde girl playing the role of a typical victim. The opening scene tires to challenge the codes and convections of a horror movie as the main character flirts with the killer this is ironic as this is a horror film. The repetition of the phone ringing creates an uncomfortable and edgy atmosphere, during the phone conversation knifes are shown for at least 15-20 seconds first near towards the camera then into the background although knife’s are a domestic tool in any household this is a archetypal paradigm. This creates meaning as it gives the audience a clue that the knife may be the murder weapon used by the killer, this is a classic iconography of horror. The character plays with the knife whilst talking about another horror movie with the mystery man; this is ironic as she is the one in a horror movie. The use of mise en scene as popcorn helps us identify with the character as this is natural thing to do when watching a horror film almost creates a realistic feel to the film as the audience may also be eating popcorn whilst watching the movie. The use of the popcorn is another iconology as when the popcorn burns there is smoke everywhere this shows symbolises danger. The use of this dialogue “I’ll cut you up like a fish” confirms that the murder weapon is the knife and comparing her to an animal that is expected to be cut up sometime or later this shows that she had it coming.
The lighting throughout the opening of scream is dimmed and when she moves around the house lamps are used this creates dark space’s and grant the killer to hide more easily this is another paradigm of a horror film. As the attack is place in the home it makes it more intimate for the audience and victim as the home is one place as everyone would identify to be a safe place to be in. The use of the character turning the patio light on shows her eagerness to find out who the mystery man is and locking all the doors shows her fear and her method to protection, the use of non diagetic sound amplifies to express how she’s feeling and the atmosphere around her which is chaotic and frenzied. The dialogue “who’s there?” is another paradigm of a horror film as this dialogue is recognised to be the last words of a character before they are killed. Another iconography is revealed when the killer is shown, he wears a mask this continues the mystery of who the killer is, and the disguise keeps the audience unsettled till the end when the killer is revealed.
The chase scene is set outside of her house, where it is dark and foggy; this is typical for chase scene for a horror film. The chase scene plays on the audience’s fears as no one knows what lies in wait in the dark. Overall the film has used Todorov’s approach to narrate the film as it moves from equilibrium to disturbance and then back to a new equilibrium.
