The Use of Sound in Horror

Sound in the Horror Genre

The use of sound in horror is an extremely overlooked feature but without it the suspense and drama in a horror would automatically decrease. Perhaps the reason for music being overlooked is that it must be integrated with the visuals and work seamlessly to intensify the drama of the film, without taking away from it and therefore many simply subconsciously take the music in without realising its true effect.

The main convention of horror music is orchestral music which is effective in it's use of creating a certain mood and following different events. Although modern horror has tried different genre's of music (the Blair Witch Project opted for death metal) it can be argued that these do not work as well as they can take away from the action.

The musical cues in horror seem to also follow a particular convention that most people recognise. It consists of a long build up of strings or horns to create a mood of suspense as the victim approaches an empty door for example or a dark alley, this is then followed by a loud orchestral hit as the door is opened or the antagonist jumps out. This loud hit contrasts with the eerie build up and creates a huge shock for the audience who are already in suspense as the long build up has shown them that something is about to happen. Different sounds can also suggest different things; a long deep tone might indicate tension whilst a rapid staccato played by strings may indicate stress and panic.

There are also different techniques used in sound in the horror genre. One old technique that is rarely used in modern day horror is known as "mickey-mousing". It was most famously used in King Kong as the music rises and falls as he jumps from building to building mimicking his movement. Another device used is known as The Auditory Symbol which is when a certain sequence of music is used to symbolise the villain in the film. This is famously used in the horror film series Friday the 13th where an unnerving sound has been assigned to Jason (a psychopathic killer) whenever he is close to his victims and is also used in Halloween with a spine chilling piano whenever Michael is close.

Horror films also tend to highlight sounds that would otherwise go unnoticed in everyday life. For example a heart beating, heavy breathing or a the distant sound of a crow in the background, this draws the audience into the scene.