Research: Sound in Horror Films

Sound in horror films is key to the fear factor created. One key piece sound used is the non-diabetic sound used in horror films is the music. this is the sound with the film creators want you to hear, and is to enhance the film experience.

Good examples of were soundtracks have been used to good effect is in jaws and psycho. Scientists now think they know why these films, use these sound tracks and why they make us feel the way we fell when watching films. the reason which they think this music makes use feel uncomfortable is because, "the harsh, discordant and unexpected sounds used in the horror soundtracks imitate the screams of frightened animals" according to the Mail online . The sounds which these films used are called non-linear sounds, these toes of sounds are mostly heard when animals are in distress, they are used to show the animals fear. These intern have been used purposely, by film makers to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes. These sounds remind us of fear and danger, which is why they make us feel uncomfortable, and distraught.

Some more modern sound tracks are slightly more sophisticated in their approach. Movies have found ways to twist, music which most would think of happiness like nursery rhymes, and know represents fear and something much more sinister. I believe the suttle of the nursery rhyme/music box songs is much better, as it makes the viewer uncomfortable, as they try to relate to the music, but along side the images and the way its portrayed, this becomes much harder and makes the audience uncomfortable.

Through this research I have found that it is best to find something that people relate to audience, like nursary rhymes and make them discorded and twist them and make the audience uncomfortable. One example where this is used to good effect is in "The Ring" and also in "Silent Hill"