Revisiting Scream

 

"Scream" debuted in December of 1996. At that time, I was a sophomore in high school just hitting Christmas break. I knew of the film, and was curious to see it, but didn't get to catch it in theaters. Instead, months later, when it finally debuted on video (how many remember that), I got to rent it. 

I remember watching it one night when I was by myself, in the dark in my bedroom. There was a certain thrill to see the film and discover the plot twists the first time. The film was scripted by Kevin Williamson, who would go on to create "Dawson's Creek," and directed by Wes Craven, who has helmed a number of horror films, including "A Nightmare on Elm Street," which is strongly referenced  in "Scream." From the moment I saw the movie, I knew it was going to become a favorite.

In college, I actually did a communication thesis on the evolution of slasher films from their 1970s genesis through their 1990s rebirth. "Halloween" and "Scream" were a big part of that, and are two important films to the genre. Ironically it was a love of "Halloween" that was part of the inspiration for Williamson in crafting the script.

I am a film nerd. If you've read things from me, you likely know that by know. The slasher genre probably isn't a favorite for many, but I always was kind of fascinated by it. In fact, early slasher films began as somewhat strict morality tales, as odd as that seems. The characters that engaged in drinking, doing drugs, having sex, or other taboo activities were killed by these supernaturally evil bad buys. The message was clear, and that was the dominant structure of the first wave that began in 1978 with "Halloween." "Scream" changed all that.

For the slasher genre, there are, to me, really three crucial films that define the genre. The first is "Halloween," which came from John Carpenter and really launched the modern slasher film. The second is "Scream," which was a tribute to the structure of the first wave while flipping that structure on its head and launching the second wave. One of the reasons I've long considered it one of the most important films of the last decade of the 20th Century. Then the third is "Saw," which took the genre into a third wave sometimes referred to as "torture porn," which is honestly where slasher films lost me.

I have seen "Scream," and each of its three sequels, a number of times. Finally, last night, I saw it on the big screen. It's been 24-years since it was released, but the film still holds up as a fun and interesting twist on the genre. I really enjoyed seeing it again and watching it with friends. While it's been disappointing to not have new movies, I've really enjoyed this season of seeing classics back on the big screen, and it was fun to celebrate the Halloween season by checking out this film again.

If you like horror movies and haven't seen "Scream," make a point to check it out. Maybe even tonight! Happy Halloween!