Research: The Importance Of Sound In Horror Films

Why Does Sound Scare us?

The use of both non-diegetic and diegetic sounds, specifically in horror movies, play a significant part in creating tension; causing the viewer to feel a sense of uneasiness and fear.



Biologist, Joe Hanson states that “Since nonlinear sounds are found so often in animal alarm calls (namely the marmot, which has been researched a lot) as well as in human distress calls (like crying babies) … some of the response would be cross-cultural, ingrained in our brain in some way". By including these sounds in horror movies, the audience automatically associates them with danger, creating a feeling of fear, which therefore in turn, makes the film scary.

Sound In Certain Movies

Suitable use of non-diegetic sound to suit the genre of the film can make a huge difference as to how the audience feels about and interprets the scene. For example, if you were to play comical/cheerful music in the background of a horror clip (or even watch the clip without any sound at all) a sequence of chilling imagery, could appear to be less horrifying. Bellow, I have embedded video clips from The Woman In Black as it is known for being 'jumpy'. I believe that music and the scream in the opening scene of the film intensifies the feeling of discomfort as you watch it. This use of sound continues throughout the entire film, which is what helps to create an unsettling atmosphere.



The following YouTube clip shows a range of sounds that are typically used within horror films to build suspense.