Scream Analysis

In the opening scene of Scream they use unusual techniques to build tension. It combines camera movement, editing, mise en scene, and sound (dialogue) to create representation and this makes it more interesting for the audience. The very first thing in the film we see is the word "Scream" which is the title of the film, the font used is red which connotates blood. By this time we can hear screams in the background which make the audience unsettled and wary of what is going on.
 When we meet the girl in the opening scene we immediately know she is the main character and we can tell by her appearance she is the one in danger. She has blonde hair and looks small and fragile. This straight away suggests to the audience that she is going to be the victim as she is represented as vulnerable through the use of mise en scene.


Diagetic sound us used to create a scary and tense atmosphere. The sounds of crickets in the garden and the amplified sound of the swing squeaking adds effect to the scene. This tells us we are in the middle of nowhere. It suggests to the audience that she is alone. This then leads to a tense atmosphere as the audience is being built up to something bad that is going to happen. There is tense scary music played as well in various parts of the scene again to build up anxiety and build more tension within the scene.
Close-ups of the girls face are used. This is to show the fear she is showing in her face. It suggests to the audience that she is in danger. They also use camera movement to create tension. The camera zoomed onto her face a couple of times at the beginning of the scene, she is happy and relaxed, but as the scene goes on she becomes scared and worried.


The editing throughout this clip is fast paced. This is to keep the audience on an edge and it wants you to realise the girls life is in danger.