“What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie?”: The Role of Social Learning Theory Inside and Outside the World of the Scream Franchise

• In Event: You Haven’t Seen What? Podcast Discusses Scream (1996)

Abstract

Since the first movie in the Scream franchise premiered nearly 30 years ago, the creators have commented on both the horror genre as well as larger social trends and issues. It can be argued that the reflexive nature of the franchise is also present in the reflective nature of the various killers present within each film. With this in mind, the current presentation will focus on how the core concepts of social learning influenced not only the killers but the creators. Specifically, how concepts like modeling and imitation are present in nearly every incarnation of Ghostface will be examined. In addition, how these concepts may also be seen in how the creatives developed each film will also be explored.

Author

• Adam M. Stern, Curry College