Still Screaming: The Ultimate Scary Movie Retrospective

Still Screaming: The Ultimate Scary Movie Retrospective is a comprehensive documentary that delves into the making of the Scream trilogy, a groundbreaking series of horror films that revolutionized the genre in the 1990s. Written and directed by Ryan Turek, the documentary is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights, rare on-set footage, and interviews with the cast and crew, including some of the most iconic names in cinema. The film begins by setting the stage for the success of the Scream trilogy, which emerged in a horror landscape dominated by the self-aware, meta approach of Wes Craven's previous film, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Scream, released in 1996, was a bold experiment in reinventing the horror genre, with its self-aware protagonist Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) navigating a complex web of murder and mystery. The film's success was not only a commercial one, but also a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about the very nature of horror and its relationship to reality. The documentary devotes significant attention to the making of Scream, exploring the challenges Craven faced in translating the film's self-aware tone to the screen. Neve Campbell, who rose to stardom with her portrayal of Sidney, shares her experiences of working with Craven, who was known for his perfectionism and demanding standards. Liev Schreiber, who played the character Cotton Weary, recalls the grueling shooting schedule and the emotional toll it took on the cast. Henry Winkler, who appeared in the film as the bumbling Sheriff Burke, offers a humorous take on his experience working with Craven, who was notorious for his sarcastic sense of humor. The interviews in Still Screaming are a highlight of the documentary, with cast members and crew offering insight into the creative process and the making of the trilogy. Matthew Lillard, who played the iconic Stu Macher in Scream, speaks candidly about the film's infamous "Stab" sequence, which spoofed the conventions of horror movies. Jamie Kennedy, who appeared in Scream as the goofy Randy Meeks, shares his take on the film's self-aware tone, which became a hallmark of the Scream franchise. One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is its examination of the impact of Scream on popular culture. Scott Foley, who appeared in the sequel Scream 2, recalls the film's viral status and the way it tapped into the zeitgeist of the late 1990s. Parker Posey, who appeared in Scream 2 as the character Angel, discusses the film's feminist subtext and its portrayal of strong female characters. Laurie Metcalf, who played the character Deputy Dewey Riley, offers a poignant take on the film's portrayal of authority figures, which she believes was a subtle challenge to the genre's traditional patriarchal narratives. Throughout the documentary, Turek and his team interspers the interviews with rare behind-the-scenes footage, photographs, and production notes. These glimpses into the making of the Scream trilogy provide a fascinating look at the filmmaking process and the creative decisions that went into shaping the franchise. The footage includes a revealing look at the infamous "Stab" sequence, which was filmed in a matter of days, as well as a heartwarming clip of Craven sharing his vision for the trilogy with the cast and crew. One of the most surprising aspects of Still Screaming is its nuanced portrayal of Craven, who is often remembered for his work on A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Scream trilogy. The documentary shows a more complex and vulnerable side of the director, who was known for his demanding standards and his passion for horror. Craven's interviews provide a wealth of insight into his creative process, from his early days as a screenwriter to the success of the Scream trilogy. The documentary concludes with a thoughtful examination of the Scream trilogy's legacy, which has endured long after the films were released. The interviews with the cast and crew highlight the enduring influence of the franchise, which has inspired a new generation of horror fans and filmmakers. As the credits roll, the audience is left with a new appreciation for the Scream trilogy and its impact on popular culture, as well as a deeper understanding of the creative process that went into shaping one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time. Throughout its 100-minute runtime, Still Screaming remains engaging and informative, with a wealth of new insights and behind-the-scenes information for horror fans. As a documentary, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the making of the Scream trilogy and the enduring legacy of the franchise. With its exhaustive interviews, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and nuanced portrayal of Wes Craven, Still Screaming is a comprehensive look at one of the most influential horror franchises of all time.