Sound in the American Horror Film

The horror film's soundtrack has evolved from the Universal pictures of the early 1930s to contemporary horror films, using sound to manipulate audience response. This examination explores connections and contrasts throughout the genre's technical and creative evolution, appealing to new enthusiasts and veteran fans alike.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The horror film genre has been using sound to manipulate audience response for nearly a century, creating a sense of fear and suspense. The soundtrack of a horror film can vary greatly from contemporary films, with classic Universal pictures like Dracula and Frankenstein featuring a different soundtrack than modern horror films. This examination of the horror film's soundtrack builds on film sound and genre scholarship to demonstrate how horror, perhaps more than any other genre, utilizes sound to manipulate audience response.

Beginning with the Universal pictures of the early 1930s and moving through the next nine decades, the book explores connections and contrasts throughout the genre's technical and creative evolution. New enthusiasts or veteran fans of such varied films as The Mummy, Cat People, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Psycho, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, The Conjuring, Paranormal Activity, and A Quiet Place will find plenty to explore and perhaps a new sonic appreciation within these pages.

The use of sound in horror films has evolved over the years, with early films relying on atmospheric effects and music to create a sense of fear. However, as technology advanced, filmmakers began to use sound more explicitly to manipulate audience response, such as using loud noises or sudden music to startle viewers.

One of the most iconic sound effects in horror films is the scream, which has been used to great effect throughout the genre. The scream is often used to signal the presence of a threat or to create a sense of panic and fear in the audience. It can be heard in films such as Halloween, The Exorcist, and The Shining, and has become a staple of the horror genre.

Another important aspect of the horror film's soundtrack is the use of music. Music can be used to create a sense of tension or to evoke a particular emotion in the audience. For example, the theme music from the film Halloween is known for its eerie and suspenseful tone, which helps to create a sense of fear and anticipation.

In addition to these sound effects and music, the horror film's soundtrack can also include other elements such as sound design, dialogue, and sound effects. Sound design can be used to create a sense of realism or to create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, while dialogue can be used to create a sense of character or to reveal important information about the plot.

Overall, the horror film's soundtrack is an important aspect of the genre, as it can help to create a sense of fear and suspense in the audience. By using sound to manipulate audience response, filmmakers can create a unique and terrifying experience for viewers. Whether you are a new enthusiast or a veteran fan of the horror genre, this examination of the horror film's soundtrack is sure to provide plenty to explore and appreciate.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476690681