Analysis Of the opening scene in 'Scream'

The opening of 'Scream' presents a typical ‘girl next door’ character who is being harassed over the phone by an anonymous caller. The fact that she is blonde is intended to represent innocence in preparation that she will be either murdered or tortured as in many similar characters stereotypically portrayed in other horror movies. The phone rings almost instantly after the previous call is ended. The diegetic silence is intended to build up tension and the mysterious callers’ voice sounds persistent yet emotionless creating a growing tension.The isolated location is presented via the slow moving high to low camera shot of the trees to the house. It is night time creating yet again another foreshadowing event making it recognisable to the viewer that the women is in a vulnerable position. The ‘popcorn’ is a relatable prop used by the audience implying its significance.  This prop becomes a trigger for the start of the suspense and emotions produced by the actress. It becomes predictable to the audience that the female character maybe in peril due to the dialogue over the phone and the knife props. Then the tracking shot is used to emphasise the distraction and that something tragic is about to occur. "I want to know who I’m looking at" is the evident turning point. Suddenly the character considers that she may not be alone. This is supported by the sound effects used such as the dog barking and the subtle, non-diegetic deep toned music. Also a slow moving close up shot is used to present her fear. This builds suspense as the audience feels as though someone is actually watching her.The aggressive dialogue becomes synchronised with the non-diegetic music. The fluctuated emotions and actions she demonstrates are replicated via the pace of the non-diegetic music and the camera shots. The lighting darkens as her hope shatters.