sound in horror

Music-

Music in horror films is very important. This is because it is very good at creating the mood of the scene. It is also Very good at contributing to the atmosphere in the film and adding to the emotion of the audience whilst watching it. There are commonly different instruments used to connote different feelings. For example- Isolated instruments are used right before a key moment in a horror film because this is to create Build in emotion for the audience and connote vulnerability of the characters.  Long prolonged notes can help with the contrast of the short sharp notes. This is used when a jump scare is about to happen. Also the contrast between the two notes are used help with tension or the action that will be happening in the scene.  

Voices-

There are many different types of voices that  are used in a horror film. Voices are used to connote the feelings of the actor within the film. For example in the Saw films jigsaw  has a very distinctive voice that is well known to many people. This can automatically cause fear because of the low tone that he speaks in. His voice is very unique therefore the audience will know who is speaking immediately. The voice is very husky, strong tone therefor this would cause a sense of intimidation.  Here is a video that shows many different types of voices that are used in the horror genre;

Sound Effects-

There are many well known used sound effect that are popular in horror films. examples of these could be-

-crows

-bats

-owls

-church bells

-witches laughing

-doors slamming

-footsteps

-bangs

Ghostly and echoed voices can become a well used sound effect in a horror film.This is because it will add to the eary atmosphere of the film as well as reinfoce the tension building within the film.

Here is an example of a door opening and foot steps, which is a very well known used sound effect in the horror genre-