10 Films Where Villains Are Introduced In Unique Ways

If horror movies historically rely on terrifying audiences with what they see, the bravura opening sequence of Wes Craven's Scream decided to instead unnerve viewers largely through what they could hear.

The initially amusing chitchat between Casey Becker (Drew Barrymore) and her seemingly harmless random caller soon enough turns sinister, Roger L. Jackson's initially suave voice becoming piercingly menacing on the turn of a dime.

Beyond the scene preying on our collective fears of being attacked in the apparent safety of our own homes, Ghostface's voice instantly became the terrifying and iconic emblem for the franchise, even more so than the mask itself.

As if all that wasn't enough, Ghostface then makes good on his promise and brutally murders Casey, who audiences at the time assumed was a "safe" character given Drew Barrymore's high level of fame compared to the rest of the cast.

This is a shining example of a villain who completely bewilders, disorientates, and shocks the audience from the jump. It's also a brilliant statement of intent: expect the unexpected.