Echoes of Fear: The Scream (1996) Legacy and its Influence on Serial Killer Portrayal and Societal Obsession in Media

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

Abstract

Scream (1996), renowned for its masked antagonist, Ghostface, who becomes a symbol of fear, has not only captivated audiences but also sparked a complex dialogue about the portrayal of serial killers in the media. The study delves into the phenomena of copycat killers, specifically those adopting the Ghostface persona, to commit real-life crimes, thereby blurring the lines between fiction and reality. It further explores the rare but intriguing concept of serial killers operating in pairs, a theme central to Scream, challenging traditional narratives of solitary predators and suggesting a more complex dynamic in the psychopathology of serial killers as portrayed in media.
In addition, the research focuses on examining society's fascination with serial killers, fueled by an insatiable consumption of media content that ranges from news coverage to entertainment, thus perpetuating a cycle of obsession and fear. Through an analysis of Scream and its cultural ramifications, the paper illuminates the broader implications of media portrayals of serial killers on public perception, fear, and the phenomenon of copycat crimes. Employing a criminological perspective, the investigation highlights the power of media in shaping societal fears and potentially inspiring criminal behavior, raising critical questions about responsibility, influence, and the ethics of crime portrayal in popular culture.

Authors

• Joelle Lee-Silcox, Lacuna Analysis

• J. Parry Silcox, You Haven’t Seen What? Podcast