Revisiting Scream (1996): The Slasher Film That Redefined a Genre


Premise
"Scream," directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, is a horror film set in the small, fictional town of Woodsboro. The story follows high school student Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as she becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface. The killer begins a series of brutal murders, each victim connected to Sidney. As the town is thrown into panic, Sidney and her friends must navigate the terror, uncovering the mystery behind the killer's identity and motive. The film is known for its meta-commentary on the horror genre, frequently referencing and subverting classic slasher movie tropes.

The Killers and Their Motive
The twist at the end of "Scream" reveals that there are two killers working together: Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard). 

Billy's Motive:
Billy's primary motive is revenge against Sidney's mother, Maureen Prescott. A year prior, Maureen had an affair with Billy's father, leading to the breakup of Billy's family. Consumed by rage and seeking retribution, Billy plans a series of murders, culminating in the torment and intended death of Sidney.

Stu's Motive:
Stu's involvement is more complex and less driven by personal vendetta. He is manipulated by Billy and seems to participate mainly for the thrill and the sheer excitement of killing. His motives appear to be a combination of peer pressure, a desire for excitement, and a lack of moral grounding.

Review
"Scream" is a landmark film that rejuvenated the horror genre in the 1990s. Wes Craven's direction and Kevin Williamson's smart, sharp script create a film that is both a terrifying horror experience and a witty, self-aware critique of the genre's conventions.

The performances are outstanding, particularly from Neve Campbell, who portrays Sidney Prescott with depth and resilience. Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard bring a chilling dynamic to their roles as the killers, their performances blending charm and menace effectively.

One of the film's standout elements is its opening scene with Drew Barrymore, which sets a high standard for tension and horror right from the start. This sequence, alongside the film's numerous twists and turns, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film's meta-commentary is another highlight. Characters frequently discuss horror movie clichés and rules, which the film then cleverly subverts. This self-referential approach adds layers of humor and intelligence, making "Scream" more than just a typical slasher film.

Score
"Scream" is a must-watch for horror fans and anyone who appreciates a film that cleverly deconstructs its own genre while providing genuine thrills. Its innovative approach, strong performances, and memorable scares make it a classic. I would give it a 9/10.

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