MUSIC AND SOUND IN HORROR FILMS.

 MUSIC. 

In horror films, a lot of non-diegetic music is used in order to gradually build up the suspense and tension throughout the films. A use of high and low pitch music is used, depending on the scene at that point in time. An example could be in the movie “Jaws” because as the shark gets closer to it’s victim and begins to lurk more, the music increases in tone ranging from a low deep tone to a high pitch almost screeching tone. This is done to let the audience know that the shark is coming very quickly and death for the victim is just seconds away. This will strike fear into the audience, making them feel uneasy and uncomfortable and wanting to almost jump out of their seats, making the effect wear onto them. The non-diegetic music adds some realism and lifelike feeling for the audience’s experience.

 Violins, light trumpets, harps and pianos were used in the Jaws theme tune and also in every horror film. For horror films in general, they involve eerie sounds throughout the movie to add effect to the scenario and also to the seriousness of the situation. The use of gradually increasing non-diegetic music makes the audience come up with predictions, also knowing that the music is only increasing as a signifier for them that something bad is about to happen. The scary sounds are an indication, making them feel out of their comfort zone. In the horror film “The Possession”, the awkward sounds heavily appear when the old lady loses control. 

Her face begins to slop on one side, her arms drop and she is being controlled by the demon. From the very first uneven sign from her face, the non-diegetic music had started to increase time by time until the old lady had collapsed on the ground and died.  This brings us onto the next topic whereby there is a contrast between the different tones of the music. This is solely dependent on what is happening on the screen at the exact moment of time. During some parts of a horror film, there is no music because the audience is listening to the diegetic sounds of footsteps, whispering of the victim and simply observing the slow movement of action on the screen. The non diegetic sounds will only make an appearance once the victim is edging the beginning of the end of the action scene. Eerie sounds are mainly used during the build up of something. The use of mixing dark lighting and quiet sounds of music can make the atmosphere feel quite airy and empty, leaving the audience to embark upon a spine chilling journey.

 SOUND.

In horror films, the audience need to be able to build a special connection and relationship with the characters and find a mix of love and hate in the film. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound enables them to do this. There are contrapuntal sounds where the image on the screen may be very daunting but the music playing in the background is a song from a children’s fairy tale. (VICE VERSA) This shows a contrast between light and dark. There could be dull creepy music but a beautiful toy doll being shown on the screen and this would show the stark contrast between the two features, eventually leading to predictions from the audience.

 A demon, spirit or the human being (victim) could all express their feelings via the use of the diegetic sounds. This could be done via screaming, loud thuds of footsteps, slamming of doors and use of clattering objects. This emphasizes and allows the characters feeling and emotions to come out. On the other hand, the diegetic sounds are a key focus point in horror films as they are eye opening to the audience. From the mysterious creaking of the doors and wooden floorboards to the quiet and sound footsteps of a demon or a victim, the suspense is built instantaneously. These types of highlights immediately attract the viewer’s attention. 

The attention to detail is vital in terms of playing the correct sound at the right place at the right time in order to distract the audience then surprise them with something more frightening and unusual that they did not expect / see it coming. Overall, the use of using diegetic and non-diegetic sounds at the same time enables suspense at a faster rate, therefore allowing tension to build up more rapidly followed by some action between the victim and the villain. The eerie music and the natural sounds show how the setting and location is not a safe place to be and sets the tone for the upcoming scenes in the horror film.