I Only Watch The First 13 Minutes of 'Scream'
'Scream' opener with Drew Barrymore is the best part of the movie.
Can the opener of a movie be so darned good it leaves the rest of the flick lackluster or even boring? Let’s dive in.
Here’s to the irresistible allure of Drew Barrymore, a salute to her cinematic seduction. Drew, you are the only reason why I ever watch Scream. You’re also the reason I never finish it.
The talented actress in the movie’s opener is the best part of Wes Craven’s famed thriller. I intently (obsessively) watch the first 13 minutes - as Drew’s character, Casey, chats on the phone with the mysterious killer, whose voice sends chills down the spine of even the most brave. Once that terrific part ends, I basically lose all interest in continuing with the rest of the movie.
Scream Dream
Maybe I’m insulting the remainder of director Craven’s tale by sticking to only caring about the opener. Truthfully, I don’t hate it, and have in fact watched the rest of the movie once or twice. It’s nothing personal. Loving Drew’s opener doesn’t mean I loathe what comes after, I just simply don’t care as much.
It’s just that I’ve watched the opener dozens of times. Yeah, I am completely obsessed with it.
Casey’s (Drew) time on the phone talking to the mystery caller while making Jiffy Pop popcorn and talking about scary movies feels like a weird day dream or absolute nightmare. Casey even hangs up on him repeatedly. His persistence in phoning her again and again makes us want to see just how she’ll deal with this strange psycho.
And my favorite exchange between the two?
Phone Voice: Name the killer in Friday the 13th.
Casey: Jason! Jason! Jason!
Phone Voice: I'm sorry. That's the wrong answer!
Casey: No, it's not. No it's not. It was Jason.
Phone Voice: Afraid not. No way.
Casey: Listen, it was Jason! I saw that movie 20 goddamn times!
Phone Voice: Then you should know Jason's mother, Mrs. Voorhees was the original killer. Jason didn't show up until the sequel. I'm afraid that was a wrong answer.
Casey: [Weeping] You tricked me.
Phone Voice: Lucky for you there's a bonus round, but poor Steve... I'm afraid he's OUT!
Although Neve Campbell as Sydney’s plight is well presented and Courteney Cox and the rest of the cast are compelling in their feature length adventure, I’m more invested in Drew Barrymore as Casey. It’s sort of a personal mission. So, ultimately, my rooting for her feels wasted or futile. Since she launches the movie, yet doesn’t carry on throughout there’s a sense of frustration which I guess I feel so strongly I dismiss what’s left of the tale. It’s either that or it’s so damn good, the remainder of the movie simply never measures up to match it enough for me to care.