in telling the story. The most prominent of these techniques are mise-en-scene and

cinematography. If used well they can constitute an aesthetically pleasing appeal, keeping the

audiences attention, and "sucking" them into the story. In certain types of films, like horror films,

for instance, the mise-en scene and cinematography can create suspense or surprise. Wes Craven

effectively uses these two techniques in his 1996 action suspense film, Scream. This thriller is

filled with many surprises and creates suspense throughout the film, keeping the audience on the

edge of their seats at all times. The opening scene sets the story and pace for the rest of the film.

Right off the bat Scream curtails elements of both mise-en scene and cinematic techniques.

Craven uses lighting, props/setting, framing as well as mobile framing to effectively convey the

narrative, meanwhile keeping the audience in suspense.

Lighting is one aspect of mise-en-scene that Craven uses to help create the mood of

Scream. Through manipulation, lighting makes an extremely distinct impact. In the first scene

alone, several different qualities, intensities,

the objects in the frame. Craven rarely utilizes close-ups for longer than a few seconds. Only when

This happens right after Casey has been stabbed and her point of view shot is canted.

Props and setting are key elements that greatly help to move the story along. Reoccurring

contacts his victims. The color red is symbolic to the bloody murders which occur after the phone

vital not only to the mood, but also in building suspense. The dim lights in the house come from

A few zoom- ins are used by Craven. Mainly, they are utilized when important information

Throughout most of the first scene, soft lighting at low intensity is used. The dim house

jagged effect produced in this particular zoom was created in post production by means of an

zooms in on her face to emphasize the paranoia she is feeling. However, one unusual zoom-in is

the white lights of the patio above him. This effect creates confusion and terror, which Casey feels

character, Casey, is murdered. In the case of the Steve's ( the boyfriend) murder, backlighing

should not have asked who was at the door. This suggests his presence is near the front door

casts a variety of shadows upon her. This effect aids in the suspense since the shadows are

information is revealed does he use close-ups. Although most of the shots are level, Craven uses

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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)