Research - The Importance of Sound in Horror Film Openings

Most of the audiences of horror films do not really take notice of the music in the background and do not really realise that this is one of the main features of a horror film. It sets up the atmosphere within the audience and no horror film would be the same without the music included, if there was no music, the film would not have the audiences gripped and their fear factor would not be as high as normal. The music and sound effect are a massive part of horror films, creating a frightening experience for the audience.

Classical horror music - Music is being used in today horror films and even used at the birth of this genre. Orchestral music is very common in many horror films is because it builds an atmosphere within the audience and the composer can change the music depending on the scene in the film. Another reason my be because it sets a certain mood with the audience watching it and to portray emotions from the character to the audience.

Modern horror music - Orchestral music is not the only type of music to feature in horror films, synth-based music and industrial music is also used. The film Blair Witch 2 used alternative rock and heavy metal music throughout the film, which works well because of the dark scenes which suit the visual part of the film. In some cased where directors choose not to add this type of music and add American 80's rock and pop music. An example of this would be the horror film American Psycho but also adding a little classical music such as violins. A example scene would be when Patrick Bateman kills one of his victims to music in the background of Hip to be Square by Huay Lewis and the News. The visuals are the main fear factor here but the music decreases the fear of this scene but also makes it surreal in a way.

Musical cues in horror films - Most people recognise the audio sequences in horror films which is a build up music as a victim/character for example, heading towards a closed door which looks suspicious to the audience. Then when the victim/character opens the door, a burst of musical orchestral and reveals what is behind it. This could be a chance for a fake scare, (nothing behind the door). This build up the tension between the film and the audience. A long deep tone would be played to portray to the audience that something is coming or it could be short, sharp and rapid music to portray stress or panic among the character or victim. As soon as the audience hears this type of music, they will expect that something is going to happen, for example Jaws when the shark is approaching a victim.

The auditory symbol - This is when, in a horror film the same piece of music is played whenever the monster/killer in near. This creates a very tight bond between the film and the audience because the audience e instantly recognise the music and instantly knows that someone or something is near, even without visuals of the killer/monster. This allows the film producers and directors, to introduce this character to the audience without showing them to the audience. This is part of a build up sequence that usually ends up in a chase scene or a killing towards someone. One example of this would be Friday the 13th series. A spooky sound is played when the mad killer Jason Voorhees is near and going to attack someone.

Sound effects - Horror films normally use music, sound effects and speech. The sound effects and music are linked to the visuals of the horror film and what is going on at the time and in the scene. Music can create certain moods with the audience. Sound effects are usually made for closer events in the film and direct action such as a gun shooting, which most of these sounds are very exaggerated and over the top to create impact. Silence can also work like a sound effect. This is used to create very high tension within the audience. Speech is normally used separate without any music or sound effects. The speech is there to reflect on the voices of the actors and there voices will not be changed in anyway. If there was a monster in a film they would normally change the pitch to a lower tone and make it louder. Effects can be added to make it sound like an aliens voice or a strange creature. An example of this would be Twin Peaks where the speech is backwards to create a scary voice.

Here is an example of how important music is in horror movies. This clip was from the film Jaws which has classic music that everyone will recognise and relate to this film. You can clearly see why directors and producers add music to horror films. The films would be strange without it.