I have chosen to look at the trailer for Scream 4 as I think it is a great movie and is one of the best of the franchise. It is quite different to the other scream as it was made in 2011 whereas scream 1 and 2 was made in 1997 and scream 3 in 2000. The trailer introduces these new ‘group of main characters’ and ghost face coming after them. The scream movies are very meta this one is no different with constant references to the scream franchise, the conventions of horror and a heavy focus of remakes and reboots of movies.
Indeed, Roland Barthes theory suggests that meaning is pushed forward through a set of codes such as: enigma codes, action codes, referential codes, semantic codes, and symbolic codes. I will be looking at examples of each code in the trailer and how they reinforce meaning, tone genre and even the storyline aspects.
Enigma codes and action codes:
Firstly, enigma codes are codes are codes that engage the viewer by making them question further and need answers. Then, there are action codes which reveal more information or even fully answer our questions from the enigma codes. Scream itself can be seen as an enigma code if you are a fan of or aware of its structure it is based around killers hidden behind a mask. Therefore, the final reveal and the killer taking of the mask being the action code.
However, more specifically in this trailer the opening clip starts with a telephone ringing. This is an enigma code as to who is ringing. The next line is, ‘what’s your favourite scary movie?’ in the ghost face voice sound then there is a close up shot of ghost face running towards the camera, this is the action code as it is telling the viewers ghost face is back.
Additionally, we see two of the original character Dewey and Gale talking. Dewey states,’ that is not public information.’ but she replies that ‘it is all over the internet’ we as an audience do not know what they are talking about however the next clip shows a character being attacked therefore we are able to assume it is about the killings.
Furthermore, we see lots of clips of people being attacked, however we are still wondering whether they get out of it or die. As near the end we see multiple clips of characters screaming, therefore hinting at attacks that are happening.
Referential codes:
This trailer is jam packed with referential codes, referential codes are where a product will reference itself or its culture. With these codes you must be in the group of horror movies fans and a fan of scream to fully understand these codes. Scream in general is so meta the characters are constantly talking about horror movies and the genre expectation to the extent where they emphasise certain rules to survive a horror movie. This trailer is no different as there is use multiple times in the trailer of one of screams most famous lines, ‘what’s your favourite scary movie?’ Additionally, in the opening of the trailer there is direct references to the first scream movie. It opens with the phone ringing with the copy, ‘in the beginning’, ‘one call started it all’ this being a reference to the opening sequence of the first movie. This is reinforced as the music played over this part is the song ‘Trouble in Woods’ which was a song in the first movie.
Furthermore, there is also referential codes to other horror movies where the character Kirby is naming off all these different horror films when talking to ghost face. However, again this is also referential to the opening scene in the first scream whereby Casey Becker has to answer questions about different horror films. Finally, there is a referential code to the expectations of the genre and to the Scream films as the police officer says the line, ‘I'll be right back’ this referring the rules of horror movies that are also stated in Scream, then he realises his mistake saying ‘you’re not supposed to say that are you?’ his awareness of the rules shows how they constantly refer back to the rules to survive a horror movie but referring it to their ‘reality.’
Semantic codes:
Next, semantic codes are codes that require a secondary level of understanding. For example, In horror movies some that are quite common semantic codes are the use of the dark colours black and red. This is because these colour signify danger, blood, mystery, and death and Scream use these colours a lot as the costume is black and white and on the poster certain parts are wrote in red such as the number of the movie. The colours are also prevalent throughout the whole movie with injuries and night time.
Additionally, camera editing and music really add to the expectations of horror as in this trailer they are extremely fast paced clips one after another- some are also very small clips to only show a second of content for example where one of the characters falls onto the glass table. Alongside that the music is loud, dramatic, and fast paced to fit each clip. We understand that these fast clips offer a sense of danger.
Symbolic codes:
Further on, symbolic codes are easy to understand as they are codes that symbolize something else. I think it is fair to say that the ghost face masks symbolises so much not just within this movie but the whole horror genre. Even if you have not seen the movies, you will know the connotations of this mask as it represents the scream movies. He is one of the most iconic killers as even though the killers change each movie, they are all recognized by the same black and white ghost face mask. Also, other things that symbolise horror and danger are the use of weapons such as knives and guns.
These codes combined really do bring the horror genre together in screams own unique way. My favourite part is how aware it is of conventions of horror and to some extent mocks that I believe through the referential codes. However, it still meets the expectations of horror, for example through their semantic codes. Nevertheless, it is still very engaging and locks you into needing to find out who the killers are.
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