The Importance of Music and Sound Effects in Horror Movies 👻
Do you know why modern horror movies seem to get scarier with each passing year? The answer lies in a fundamental shift in how filmmakers approach the genre.
Unlike the classics that relied heavily on sudden jump scares, today’s horror films are mastering the art of prolonged tension. Instead of shocking viewers with loud, abrupt noises, contemporary filmmakers focus on creating an atmosphere of dread and terror that builds gradually throughout the film.
This continuous, immersive tension ensures that the sense of fear doesn’t just come in quick bursts but lingers, making the experience a far more psychologically gripping horror.
Reformulating the Meaning of Fear
Today’s horror producers are leveraging a deeper understanding of human psychology:
The Uncanny Valley
Profound research in the psychological field has shown that we find something profoundly unsettling when it’s familiar yet slightly off. It is the feeling of unease towards something that makes us doubt whether it is a friend or a foe.
The “uncanny valley” occurs when something looks almost human but not quite right, triggering a sense of discomfort and fear. Studies have indicated that uncanny valley horror can be more disturbing because it taps into our subconscious fear of the unnatural.
Jump Scares vs. Prolonged Anxiety
Traditional jump scares create a sudden adrenaline rush, leading to an immediate fight-or-flight response. While effective for a quick shock, this method often lacks lasting psychological impact.
In contrast, modern horror films focus on prolonged states of heightened anxiety, where fear builds slowly and persists, creating a more immersive and enduring experience. Research supports that psychological horror has a more profound impact on viewers’ long-term anxiety levels compared to traditional scare tactics, which activate a fight-or-flight response in our bodies.
The Psychological Depth of Modern Horror
As our understanding of human psychology deepens, filmmakers are becoming increasingly adept at translating these insights into their horror films, making them resonate on a profoundly personal level.
Modern contemporary horror movies like Hereditary and Midsommar illustrate this trend by embedding deeply rooted human anxieties into their narratives. Hereditary, often seen as a drama rather than a traditional horror film, powerfully embodies the fear of losing loved ones and the trauma of family secrets. Its portrayal of grief and the haunting effects of a family tragedy make the horror feel intimately personal and emotionally charged.
Similarly, Midsommar explores the fear of breakups and the disintegration of relationships by placing its characters in an unsettling, yet superficially serene, communal setting. The film’s exploration of emotional vulnerability and isolation amplifies the horror, turning it into a profound examination of personal despair.
The fact that these more recent horror movies are getting creepier and creepier has everything to do with scientific research and our access to studies. Thanks to the more profound understanding of human psychology, we get to witness the terrible creations of producers, such as Ari Aster.
The Evolution of Horror Soundtracks
The role of music in horror has also undergone significant changes:
Rather than being focused on a build-up, leading to a loud, blasting climax, music today has found its way in the horror industry with one big slogan “the fear of the unknown”.
Our best examplars today being “Pool Party” and “BBQ ’79“, both featured in Sinister (2012). Take a listen at both tracks. they’re guaranteed to scare the living hell out of your soul, and for good reason.
The instruments are played towards the intent of generating mystery and tension, rather than triggering your fight-and-flight response. And what does this? well, the instruments implemented in the tracks for sure, but another instrument that adds up to the equation are the sounds produced by humans. Just take a quick listen at BBQ’79 at the 2:20 mark. It might have scarred me for life!
Explore Similar Tracks at HookSounds
If you’re looking to incorporate the same chilling atmosphere into your own projects, HookSounds offers a range of tracks that capture the essence of modern horror soundtracks. Veil of Darkness and Paranoia are two examples that evoke the same unsettling and eerie vibes found in movies like Sinister.
These tracks are perfect for creating an atmosphere of creeping dread, whether you’re working on a film, a podcast, or any other multimedia project. Just like the best contemporary horror movies, these tracks are designed to heighten tension and keep your audience on the edge of their seat. Subscribe now! and add a psychological depth to your next project.
