During the course of this essay I will be analysing how Scream 2 has epitomized the structuralism film theory which is exceedingly prominent in the horror genre. Moreover, I will also examine how the producers have calculatedly used setting, theme, plot, character, props, sound and editing to form cohesion (Paradigms) in the opening scene of scream2. Besides, will also be investigating the subsequent key concepts: how the text in narrated, the use of representation to connote meaning, how the audience is engaged in this scene. In Layman’s terms, I will look at how the scene can be classified in terms of genre through the identification of key codes and conventions (paradigms).
The first indication that implies that scream is a horror genre is illustrated in the first shot, this shot conveys the title `Scream’ in bright red colour with a scream amplified in the background, this pre to the establishing shot can indirectly connote that the genre of the film is horror and therefore it can be established that danger is around the corner.
The first branch of paradigms is iconography. Iconography refers to the sign, symbols and sound that constitute sufficiently to the horror genre. The First iconography in the scene is a mid-shot of the teenager holding the knife talking about a scary movie. The knife can be symbolic for futuristic events and is usually used in most slasher films as the murder weapon. The next sign that events is about to unfold is the popcorn swelling, this could represent the killers malicious futuristic intent to kill as later in the scene when the stalker in loose the popcorn burns symbolising that events have unfolded. Furthermore the next iconography is the teenager she is small and vulnerable in a big house, usually in h the horror genre, this is achieved by showing a close up of her frightened as the pace of the music increases. This is also achieved by using regular jump scenes which is renowned in horror films. Moreover, another convention that pillars the structuralism theory is the constant screaming and running of the main character. Consequently the audience is engaged and sympathises with the character. Lastly, the horror genre can be established through the killer, a conventional teen slasher usually has the mask of the killer obscured through the use of a mask.
The initial paradigm (code and convention) is that of the character. The first indication that the genre of the film is a teenage slasher film is through the girl. The producers have followed certain conventions of how a teenage horror film should be constructed; this is epitomized by the main character. For instance, in terms of physic she is quiet small and vulnerable. Throughout the scenes it can be established that she is sexually active as a result she will be punished.
Furthermore, another element of (paradigms) that also supports the structuralism theory is that of structure. Structure in concerned about how the scene is put together to form cohesion. Editors have to take into consideration the plot, setting etc. In relation to scream the editors have followed paradigms such as the typical large remote house in an isolated area shown by a long shot. Besides, another convention that Scream 2 follows is the pace of scenes and the mood. For example, in the beginning of the scene the teen is smiling and the mood is subtle which is supported by the slow non diegetic sound in the background. However, as the scene progresses and the scene go into disequilibrium, the scenes speed up adding to the suspense of the audience as the stalker comes closer. This is a feature which most horror films prey on to build on the physiological side of the audience such as in Eden Lake. With reference to the establishing shot the editors have cleverly used colour to highlight the mood of the teenager, however this swiftly shifts and becomes dark and grey the more she creates dialogue with the killer the darker scenes get, this could subliminally suggest that danger is close.
The final building block of genre paradigms is the theme that Scream has embarked upon. Theme is concerned with the issues and ideas that the scream subliminally raises throughout the scene. I believe that the most significant issue that is connoted in this opening scene is unexpected death and vengeance, these issues is something that we as human beings sometimes don’t take into consideration. It also suggests that although you might be in the comfort of your home you are never safe; this is a major issue which we as a society are very sceptical about especially the paranoia of being stalked by someone. Furthermore, another message which can be extracted from the theme is that of carelessness, especially in regards of teenagers. For instance, as a child you’re told not to talk to a stranger, however, us as teenagers never follow rules, this is clearly illustrated in the scene as she keeps picking up the phone. Finally, Scream is post-modern which allows us the audience to relate to the scene and creates more fear it also relates to Carol Clovers theory that men like to watch women being victimized, as the teen gets killed (Sadistic).
In conclusion, scream 2 to a considerable extent has satisfied the structuralism theory through its use of paradigms to convey meaning and establish genre. Scream 2 has followed certain conventions. For instance, the murder weapon is a knife, the main character is masked, it is dark and scenes start of slow and build on suspense. On the other hand, although scream does follow certain conventions it also contradicts paradigms and can be deemed exploitive. For example, during the scenes the directors voices out his opinion by saying that the first `nightmare in Elm Street’ `was good but the rest sucked’ and it’s like he is talking through the film and relating directly to the audience also there is no final girl theory. In general, it is evident that there are many elements that have to be blended together to form a horror genre and that it needs specific combinations to form cohesion.
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