Scream (1996)

Tis the spooky season once more and thus time to revisit a film that, at the time of it's release, had a massive cultural impact, not only spawning multiple sequels but also spoofs and an almost entire new genre of hyper-aware teen slasher/comedy flicks for good measure. Directed by the 'sultan of shock', Wes Craven, and penned by future Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson, this film serves as the almost perfect amalgamation of both of these men's sensibilities - blending dreamy, beautifully lit, quick-witted high schoolers and horrific violence. 

It tells the story of the residents of Woodsboro, California who are falling prey to a knife-wielding, mask-wearing, maniac who likes to terrorise his victims over the phone before ripping them to shreds. However, the sub-text here is that the very tropes that Craven helped to create in the horror genre are constantly referred to, thus creating a sort of meta-effect that weirdly keeps the mood light despite the grim proceedings we are witness to. 

If by now this seems all quite passé that is because, by now in 2025, it is. However that is only the case because this film paved the way for the endless litany that followed (if you've ever watched a film where serious action was broken up by some self-referential wisecrack - perhaps the entire Marvel catalogue - you largely have this film to thank) but upon it's release in 1996, something deep in the psyche of the world was tapped into and that rare status of iconic, landmark film was achieved. How this happens, who knows? All we do know is that everyone went to see this film that year. And I do mean everyone. Maybe it was the draw of a new generation of brat-pack style actors? Or maybe it was because the tone - despite the fact that the set design, lighting and general atmosphere could quite easily double for an episode of Desperate Housewives - was genuinely unsettling? Or maybe it was because, amidst all of the murder and mayhem, there was enough levity where you could find yourself laughing at the self-referrentialness of it all? Whatever alchemy took place here, it worked. 

However, even films that were milestones in their day don't all withstand the test of time. And so it proves with 'Scream'. The problem with this film is that, now watching in this day and age, it has fallen victim to its own success. The ghostface mask worn by the killer became so ubiquitous at halloween parties around the globe that it simply is not scary any more. How can it be when drunk uncle Clive has pissed in the living room flowerpot while wearing it? At the time of release however, again this cannot be stressed enough, that mask was about the last thing you wanted to see anyone wearing for fear of an instant soiling of oneself. Secondly, because 'Scary Movie' (2000) came out shortly after, and did such a wonderful job of satirising this film, it is hard to take any of the scares seriously when re-visiting the original.

In fact the shadow of 'Scary Movie' looms large throughout. For example, and I'm not sure how the world didn't notice this at the time, but the character of Dewey is completely absurd. Played by David Arquette, there are many moments that now retrospectively provide pure belly laughter. The facial expressions alone make you wonder if Wes Craven was even looking at the monitor while directing this film. My guess is that he was portrayed this way to possibly imply that he might be odd enough to be the killer? But this would make a lot more sense if he wasn't the town deputy and thus in a pretty critical position of law enforcement. Obviously this element wasn't lost on everyone as the creators of 'Scary Movie' absolutely slaughtered this character in their version, but that only makes it a harder pill to swallow when you watch now. 

That said, despite it's flaws and feeling of overall silliness that you get over 30 years after its release, it remains still an enjoyable popcorn movie. It offers plenty of jump-scares, gore galore and enough originality to see why it became such a 'thing' the way it did at the time. Yes, it's probably not the greatest film you'll ever see. Yes, there are plenty of times where the characters could've quite easily got away from the killer. Yes, some of the performances are a little overcooked. But by the end, none of that matters. You've been entertained, and sometimes that is all we the people need. The opening scene, featuring Drew Barrymore, became truly iconic for a certain generation, as did many other elements of this film. The soundtrack is great and with Wes Craven at the helm, you know you're in good hands. On these levels it works and would probably hold up a lot better if 'Scary Movie' didn't exist. But it does, and once you see that it's hard to see this through the same eyes ever again. Still, for what it is, it's probably still worth a visit this Hallow's Eve. 

★★★☆☆

JB.