Another Wes Craven entry here with the revitalizing 1996 film, Scream. In a time where decent slashers seemed few and far between, Scream stood out from the crowd, breathing new life into a genre that certainly needed a kick. What made the film so different was its use of self-referential humour. The characters were completely aware of horror movie clichés and they openly talked about them, unaware however that these would be the very clichés that they themselves would soon embody. On the surface, Scream might seem like just another slasher. The premise sounds familiar: suburban teens are brutally killed off by a mysterious, masked murderer. It could certainly have felt tired if the film wasnt chocked full of satire; these characters are talking about the very films that Scream is so obviously inspired by. It doesnt exactly invent the wheel, instead screwing with it, but it does so to dazzling results. The comedy elements aside, Scream still holds its own as an excellent horror and offers up one of cinemas most exciting whodunit mysteries, not to mention that instantly iconic (and subversive) Drew Barrymore opening scene that is sure to have anyone on the edge of their seats. Its a jumpy flick and it doesnt hold back on the violence either. Scream is a slasher with a brain and a funny bone, and its surely the best slasher flick of the 90s.
Joe is a television junkie. A film fanatic. A pop culture know-it-all. An interactive media masters student, and a bass player.
22 years old and Irish. Thinks Netflix is a Godsend.
