Codes and Conventions of Slasher Films

The Use of Codes and Conventions in the Slasher Film 'Scream'

As researched by Ruby, there are a list of common themes that appear throughout the majority of slasher films. The film 'Scream' directed by Wes Craven is an excellent application of these conventions, as almost all of them are apparent throughout the film. Listed below is a list of several conventions of slasher films and how they apply to 'Scream'.

• A final girl is established from the beginning - Casey appears in the first scene and survives the duration of the film
• The final girl is usually very reserved - The mise en scene denotes Casey's innocence from the first scene; she wears limited makeup and has a reserved outfit on. The colour scheme used in the interior of her house consists of neutral, warm colours, again mirroring her innocence and youthfulness.

Casey in the first scene

• The killer usually wears a mask -  In 'Scream', the killer wears a mask to hide his identity
• The killer usually has a weapon that is able to pierce the skin - The killer has a knife which he uses to attack and kill his victims

The masked killer in 'Scream'

•  The killer kills one member of a community at a time -  In 'Scream' the killer murders each one of Casey's school friends one by one
• The setting will be in every day circumstances - The setting is in the main character's hometown, which is very 'ordinary' and relatable for the viewer
• Slasher films are always rated R - Scream was originally rated at an NC:17, but was later revisited and edited to an R rating

-Anna Humphreys