Rezma Jusna

Conventional Horror Sounds

In horror natural elements of sound are usually used to get the viewer to associate an already heard sound to the movie therefore allowing an intimate connection between both the movie and the viewer’s real life experiences with that sound. For example the sound of wind howling in horror movies can make the audience believe that what is about to happen can actually happen every time they hear that sound in real life. Overall sounds allow the viewer to believe that the events in the film can happen to them in real life therefore creating a sense of fear which in question is the main motive for making a horror movie in the first place.

The horror sounds I am collecting include the following: Walking on gravel – this is typically found in horror films to emphasise that the main character is alone. Wind chimes – this adds an eerie element and is normally used to emphasise that something is coming or has arrived. Dogs barking – it is a very effective way to show that something unwanted is around. Dog’s barks are used also because, dogs are known for defending their territory which emphasis that whatever is around is not welcome in any way. Another animal that indicates that something terrible is around are crows. The sound of crows is naturally creepy, but crows are also known for sensing unnatural things. Organ – can sometimes be used to hint that there is something ominous about to happen or that spiritual being is around. Organs are normally used in church, so to contrast the use of the organ as something holy, in horror movies, a spiritual being may be seen as unholy.

Wind howling is a very well-known audio used in horror, simply because everyone knows the sound of wind, but to be at such a force that the wind is howling implies that there is something unnatural around. The sound of Heavy Rain suggests that if the main character was to scream or call for help then it would not be heard because of the sound of the rain. Plus this particular sound may also indicate that if the main character was being followed, then they wouldn’t hear it. So the whole idea of heavy rain is to block out potential sounds that would have otherwise been partial for the characters to hear. Screams are a key element in any horror clip, because it is the simplest way to hear that something bad has happened and the person is in shock. Heavy breathing can imply that the character has just been running. This then creates the idea that the character is running away from something terrible. Heavy breathing can also suggest that the character is very nervous and indicates that they may be exposed to what is making them nervous very soon. Finally the unmistakable soundtrack of horror can be associated with the sound of tubular bells. This is very well known from films like The Exorcist. This is because the un naturally high pitched sound of bells tends to physically send shivers down people’s back, The ominous sound helps create a menacing atmosphere that will keep the viewers at the edge of their seats.

Examples of films with these sounds:

Exorcist – Tubular bells Sinister - Organ Jeepers Creepers - Crows The Amityville Curse – Dogs barking

The Rite – Wind howling Final Destination 3 – Walking On Gravel