What SCREAM (1996) Can Teach Writers About Horror & Storytelling
Wes Craven’s Scream (1996) is not just a film that reinvigorated the horror genre; it is a masterclass in storytelling that offers profound insights for writers. Its unique blend of suspense, character development, and subversion of genre tropes makes it a rich resource for anyone looking to enhance their narrative craft. This post explores how Scream exemplifies effective storytelling, including its narrative beats, character development, and the essential horror tropes that define the genre. It also delves into the film's antagonists—Billy Loomis and Stu Macher—and their roles in shaping the story.
1. The Hook: Capturing Attention from the Start
Scream opens with one of the most iconic and suspenseful sequences in horror history. The opening scene, featuring Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker, is a perfect example of how to hook an audience. The tension escalates as the seemingly innocent phone call transforms into a chilling confrontation with a masked killer.
Writing Lesson: The importance of a strong opening cannot be overstated. Writers should aim to captivate readers within the first few pages by creating a sense of urgency or mystery. Whether through an intriguing character, an unexpected event, or a vivid setting, the opening should compel the audience to read on.
2. Character Development: Crafting Relatable Protagonists
Central to Scream is its protagonist, Sidney Prescott, who embodies the "final girl" trope but also breaks free from its confines. Throughout the film, we witness Sidney’s growth from a vulnerable teenager to a resourceful survivor. Her complexities make her relatable and sympathetic, allowing audiences to invest emotionally in her journey.
Sidney Prescott: At the beginning of the film, Sidney is dealing with the trauma of her mother’s murder, creating an internal conflict that drives her character. As the plot unfolds, she evolves from a frightened girl into a determined fighter who ultimately confronts her fears. By the climax, she not only faces the killer but also stands up against the emotional baggage that has haunted her, showcasing resilience and strength.
Tatum Riley: Sidney’s best friend, Tatum, initially appears carefree and confident, often providing comic relief. However, her character arc highlights the stark reality of horror. As she faces the dangers of the killer, her vulnerability is exposed, revealing that even the strongest personalities can be caught off guard. Tatum’s fate serves as a tragic reminder of the unpredictability of horror, illustrating that no one is safe.
Casey Becker: The opening scene establishes Casey as a strong, independent character who appears to have control over her situation. However, her brutal demise shatters the audience's expectations and serves as a catalyst for Sidney's character development. The emotional impact of Casey's death resonates throughout the film, influencing how characters respond to the ensuing chaos.
Writing Lesson: A well-developed protagonist is more than just a survivor—they are shaped by their experiences, flaws, and growth. Sidney Prescott’s journey in Scream showcases how internal conflict can drive character development, as her trauma and fears push her from vulnerability to strength. By crafting protagonists with emotional depth, personal stakes, and evolving arcs, writers can create characters that feel authentic and resonate with audiences.
3. The Killers: Billy Loomis and Stu Macher
The killers in Scream—Billy Loomis and Stu Macher—embody a unique blend of sociopathy and charisma that is essential to the film's horror. Their character arcs reveal deep-seated motivations and provide insights into their actions throughout the story.
Billy Loomis: Billy is characterized as the archetypal "boyfriend gone bad." Initially presented as a typical high school student, his darker motivations come to light as the narrative unfolds. He is driven by a desire for vengeance against Sidney's mother, whom he blames for the breakdown of his family. This personal vendetta makes him a compelling antagonist. His reveal as the primary killer and his complex relationship with Sidney add depth to his character. Throughout the film, his manipulative nature is evident, especially as he plays on Sidney's emotions to gain her trust.
Stu Macher: In contrast to Billy's more calculated demeanor, Stu is the embodiment of chaotic energy. He is portrayed as a lovable yet reckless friend, providing comic relief amid the horror. However, his motivations are equally dark, driven by a desire for thrills and attention. His character reflects the reckless abandon often seen in youth culture, highlighting the film's commentary on media influence and the desire for notoriety. As the plot progresses, Stu's unpredictable nature becomes increasingly dangerous, culminating in a chilling revelation of his complicity in the killings.
Both killers’ arcs serve as a critique of the media’s glamorization of violence and the desensitization of youth culture. Their motivations not only drive the plot forward but also create a stark contrast to Sidney's journey, emphasizing her transformation from victim to survivor.
Writing Lesson: Crafting compelling antagonists is crucial for a well-rounded narrative. Writers should strive to develop villains with relatable motivations, allowing readers to understand their actions, even if they don’t condone them. The interplay between protagonists and antagonists adds depth to the story and creates emotional stakes that resonate with the audience.
4. Narrative Beats: Structuring the Story
Scream adheres to several key narrative beats that are crucial to both its storytelling and the horror genre. Understanding these beats can help writers craft their narratives effectively. Here are some pivotal beats in Scream and how they align with typical horror novel beats:
Exposition (Setup): The film introduces Sidney and her friends in the familiar setting of Woodsboro, providing background on the characters and establishing their relationships. This mirrors the opening of horror novels, where the normalcy of life is depicted, setting the stage for impending chaos.
Inciting Incident: Casey Becker's murder serves as the inciting incident, thrusting the characters into the horror of their reality. In horror novels, this beat typically involves a shocking event that disrupts the status quo and signals the start of the conflict.
Rising Action: Following Casey's death, tension escalates as Sidney and her friends become targets of the killer. This rising action involves a series of suspenseful moments, misdirection, and character interactions that heighten the stakes. In horror writing, this corresponds to the gradual build-up of suspense as characters face increasing threats.
Climax: The climax occurs when Sidney confronts the killers in a final showdown, filled with high-stakes action and emotional payoff. This mirrors the climactic moments in horror novels where the protagonist must face the antagonist directly, often leading to pivotal revelations and emotional confrontations.
Falling Action and Resolution: The aftermath of the climax includes the unraveling of the killers' motivations and the impact on Sidney and her friends. In horror novels, this part often explores the consequences of the climax and gives closure to the characters' arcs, revealing the emotional and psychological aftermath of the horror they endured.
Writing Lesson: Writers should consider these key narrative beats when structuring their stories. Establishing a clear progression from exposition to resolution allows for a compelling and cohesive narrative. Each beat should serve to build tension and develop characters, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
5. Building Tension: The Art of Pacing and Conflict
Scream masterfully escalates tension through its pacing and the interplay of external and internal conflicts. As the killings mount, the stakes rise for Sidney and her friends, creating a relentless sense of urgency. Craven balances moments of intense horror with quieter scenes that explore character dynamics and personal fears.
Writing Lesson: Effective storytelling hinges on pacing and conflict. Writers should carefully plot their narratives to balance tension-building moments with character development. Consider how each scene contributes to the overall tension, and don’t shy away from allowing characters to experience vulnerability. This combination keeps readers engaged while allowing them to care about the characters' fates.
6. Subverting Tropes: Playing with Audience Expectations
Scream is renowned for its self-referential humour and meta-commentary on horror film clichés. Characters discuss the "rules" of horror movies, often with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. This self-awareness allows the film to both honour and critique the genre, keeping the audience on their toes.
Tropes Explored
The Final Girl: Sidney embodies this trope, representing the last survivor who confronts the antagonist. However, her character development allows her to transcend the typical "damsel in distress" narrative.
The Red Herring: The film introduces multiple characters as potential suspects, creating suspense and misdirection, a common trope in horror. This keeps the audience guessing and adds layers to the mystery.
Meta-Horror: By referencing other horror films, Scream creates a layered narrative that not only entertains but also critiques genre conventions. This meta-narrative allows for deeper engagement with the audience, inviting them to reflect on their expectations.
Writing Lesson: Writers can benefit from subverting genre conventions in their narratives. Understanding common tropes allows writers to either play into them for comedic or dramatic effect or twist them in unexpected ways. This technique keeps the audience guessing and can lead to more engaging and original storytelling.
7. Atmosphere: Creating a Sense of Place and Mood
The atmosphere in Scream is palpable, enhanced by its sound design, cinematography, and setting. The contrasting suburban backdrop of Woodsboro adds a layer of unease, as the horrors unfold in an environment that feels familiar and safe. The film's score, combined with strategic sound effects, heightens suspense and evokes emotions.
Setting: The small-town setting is a trope in horror, contrasting the horrors of the killer with the perceived safety of suburban life. This juxtaposition amplifies the fear, as the audience is reminded that danger can lurk in the most ordinary places.
Sound Design: The use of silence and sudden audio cues creates a heightened sense of dread, effectively guiding the audience's emotional response. The iconic use of the phone calls emphasizes isolation and vulnerability.
Writing Lesson: Crafting a strong atmosphere is crucial in horror writing. Writers should use vivid descriptions, sensory details, and soundscapes to immerse readers in the world of the story. Consider how the setting can enhance themes and character emotions, creating a multi-layered experience for the audience.
8. Thematic Depth: Exploring Core Messages
Scream delves into various themes, including media influence, the nature of fear, and the complexity of friendships. These themes resonate throughout the film and inform character decisions and arcs.
Fear and Vulnerability: The film explores what it means to be afraid and how that fear can manifest in relationships. Sidney’s journey highlights the importance of confronting one’s fears rather than succumbing to them.
Media Influence: Scream critiques how media shapes perceptions of violence and horror. Characters are aware of horror movie tropes, which influences their reactions to the unfolding events.
Friendship and Betrayal: The betrayals within the group amplify the horror, emphasizing how trust can be shattered in moments of crisis. This emotional layer adds depth to the characters’ arcs.
Writing Lesson: Themes enrich storytelling and provide a deeper connection to the audience. Writers should consider what themes they want to explore and how they can weave these ideas into character arcs, plot points, and dialogue. Themes that resonate on a personal or societal level can elevate a narrative beyond mere entertainment.
Wes Craven's Scream is a prime example of how effective storytelling can revitalize a genre. Its innovative approach to horror, character development, and subversion of tropes provides valuable lessons for writers. By incorporating strong openings, relatable characters, well-structured narratives, and an understanding of horror tropes, writers can create compelling stories that captivate and terrify audiences.
Whether you're a seasoned author or a budding storyteller, the lessons gleaned from Scream are invaluable tools for crafting narratives that resonate and endure. As the film teaches us, horror is not just about fear; it is a reflection of our deepest emotions, our relationships, and our humanity.
