Scream and The Rise of Terrible Horror Movies – Movie Review – Episode 2

April 5, 2016 bcottington85

In this episode (which originally was recorded in October), Brian, John, and Elaine review Wes Craven’s Scream; particularly, how the film has impacted the horror genre both negatively and positively. The current state of horror is also addressed and how the future of horror relies mainly on the efforts of independent filmmakers vs the big Hollywood studios.

Key Points

Scream Review
- At the time of it’s premiere, the slasher film had been played out thanks primarily to the repeated sequels from such cinematic staples like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Child’s Play, and Friday the 13th.
- Scream can be credited with revitalizing The Slasher by injecting a self awareness of slasher film tropes as well as a wonky type of humor
- Scream can debated to have led to the commercialism of the horror genre where profit and style override substance.
Horror films reflect the time they were made
- Movies like The Exorcist may have been shocking for their time but do not necessarily cause the same type of fear as seen in modern day horror.
Final Points
- Terrible horror movies are a product of horror fans continuing to prove to studios that they are profitable.
- The future of horror will lie with the Independent Filmmaker, not the big budget studio
- Positive Points in Scream
  - Wes Craven’s ability to create tension
  - Having the balls to kill off one of the biggest actors at the time in the first 10 mins (Drew Barrymore)
- Negative Points in Scream
  - Snarky mid-90’s dialog that doesn’t hold up
  - Pushed horror towards commercialism
  - Every character apparently is a film expert