Unraveling the Relevance of Scream and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ in Modern Horror

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head after watching a movie, trying to piece together a coherent narrative? This is a common experience for many when it comes to Wes Craven's films, particularly his contributions to the horror genre - Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. While these movies attempted to subvert conventional horror tropes, their execution left much to be desired. In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of these films, exploring why they might not have achieved the intended impact and how they fit into the broader spectrum of horror cinema.

Lost in the Subtext

Scream (1996) is a quintessential example of how aligning the plot with the subtext demands a meticulous balance. The movie is intentionally artificially constructed, where every scene and twist is subservient to Wes Craven's critical commentary on horror fans. It's a clever reference to the films that preceded it, but it doesn't always pay dividends. The plot revolves around Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a high school student who returns to her family home in a small town plagued by a mysterious killer. As the film progresses, the subtext of Wes Craven criticizing his audience becomes more pronounced, overshadowing the story's potential.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1994), on the other hand, seems to crumble under its own structure. The film's plot is convoluted and confusing, even by the standards of the horror genre. The premise, where four teenagers accidentally run over a man and the ensuing revenge plot, is laced with inconsistencies. The characters and their motivations are ill-defined, making it difficult for the audience to emotionally invest in the story. This discordance is exacerbated by poor casting choices, which further detracted from the film's ability to captivate viewers.

The Role of Plot in Horror Films

Every movie, regardless of genre, relies on a well-crafted plot to engage the audience. Horror films, in particular, aim to create a sense of suspense and fear through storytelling. However, Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer fall into a trap of trying too hard to be intellectually provocative rather than emotionally engaging.

In Scream, the subtext of Wes Craven denouncing his fans is clever, but it often distracts from the narrative. The movie doesn't break new ground in terms of plot structure or suspense; instead, it dances on the edge of becoming a parody of its own genre. This paradoxical approach leaves viewers questioning the purpose of the subtext rather than being terrified or entertained.

I Know What You Did Last Summer similarly struggles with a convoluted and uncoordinated plot. The film attempts to create a sense of urgency and drama through its storyline, but the disarray and lack of cohesion in character motivations and plot progression detract from the horror elements. The viewers can't help but feel that the film is more focused on fulfilling plot holes and satisfying subtext than on delivering a cohesive narrative experience.

Conclusion

While both Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer were attempts to disrupt the horror genre, they both missed the mark when it came to plot coherence and emotional engagement. These films are not without merit; they provide insights into their creators' perspectives and offer a unique viewing experience. However, their failure to effectively convey their intended messages highlights the importance of a well-structured plot in horror films.

As horror lovers, we often find ourselves dissecting the storyline and the meta-narrative. In the case of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, while the subtext is well-articulated, the execution falls short of the desired impact. Nonetheless, these films contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the horror genre and its evolution.