Research Horror Conventions - Sound

Sound in any film is crucial; the sound is half the success of any movie if incorporated correctly. It represents the genre as well as the tense, action or romantic based scenes. In my research of sound I looked at horror movies as well as re-watching a few of my favourites. I picked out a few aspects that I think will work best with my horror genre. Most of the time horror films like to use diegetic sound’s, the reason behind this is to make a more realistic and intense feeling. It’s a director’s way of trying to relate to the viewers, for example rustling winds, doors banging by themselves, someone screaming, dripping water etc, generally these sounds are heard by viewers on a day to day to basis.

But if these sounds were to be used in a scary movie following up to a surprise attack, the viewers will feel more thrilled and alert, therefore keeping them entertained. For example both ‘Blair Witch Project’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’ had no non-diegetic sounds, this was so it had a more authentic feel which is what viewers are interested to see. There’s no intense music in the background (non-diegetic) thus creating a sense of authenticity to what we are watching, it’s more chilling because the viewer is made to feel, that what they are witnessing are actual events. If you had disturbing but faint music in the background; the viewer would know it is leading towards a scary scene, this makes it too predictable.

By doing this research it has given me a lot to think about how to incorporate diegetic sounds in my film and also not go over the top with the non-diegetic sounds.