Music and Sound effects in Horror films

Music and sound effects in Horror Film

Classic Horror Music

Orchestral music is the most characteristic type of horror film music and has been used since the birth of the genre, even today it is the most popular type of music to be used in Horror films, thrillers and adventure films. One reason for this type of music being so popular is the open-endedness and great dynamic range of genre allows the composer to follow the events of a film as he is able to vary tones within a composition. Another reason is that its very neutral and appeals to a wide audience.

Modern Alternative Horror Music

This type of music generally tends to use synth-based and industrial. A good example of this is Blair Witch 2 which uses alternative Rock and metal music. This particular section works well as it is dark, brooding and suits the visual style of the film. Other directors take this concept of modern music a whole step further and replace classical orchestral music with music that the audience do not expect to hear in a Horror film.  American Psycho mainly used American 80’s rock and pop music, to me this would highlight the Horror element even further as it adds suspense and makes the audience feel tense as it’s not the kind of music they imagine to be included making them wonder what else is to expected.

Musical Cues

Audiences will recognize a certain audio sequence within a Horror Film. For example a long eerie musical build-up containing strings or horns as the victim approaches a closed door , followed by a violent orchestral hit as the door is opened by them and they discover what is hidden behind it. 

The Auditory Symbol

Many Horror films have a melody or sound serving as a symbol to portray the monster in a particular film. This is usally achieved by extracting a small portion of one of the films prominent musical score or characteristic sounds and playing them whenever the "main character (monster)" is around.  This then allows the film makers to inntroduce the monster to the audience with a visual representation.

Sound Effects

Both Music and sound effects are directly linked to visuals the visuals of a film.  Sound effects tend to be tied even closer than music in regards to the events in a film , they create otr adjust a certain mood or atmosphere. In most cases these effects are applied to intensify and mark direct movements such as movements and impacts , majority of sound is very exaggerated this is so the audience become more aware of the effects.