Scores in Horror Films

Scores and their effects in Horror Films

When I started the genre research I took notice of the effect scores, or the music made specifically for the film, has on mood and interpretation of the horror films. I realized that their primary use in this specific genre is to forewarn the audience and creates suspense. This started surfacing when I began researching film openings and that is why I took such interest to them.

Jaws (1975)

In the case of Jaws, the score composed by John Williams is used exclusively to indicate the shark will make an appearance.  The song appears to grow louder and louder as the suspense intensifies within the scene further emphasizing that something critical is about to occur. When analyzing the use of the score within the film I realized how having the same instrumental music play every time Spielberg wanted to cause his audience that nervous on edge feeling makes it the immediate response when the music begins since it is so iconic to its scenes. Obviously with my partner we only aim to produce an opening but having background music to intensify suspense is something I have learned is essential. This is because otherwise there are some scenes that look almost lacking without this component.

 

Psycho (1960)

In the case of Psycho, producer Bernard Herrmann wrote the score of the film with the same intention as Williams, to warn audiences that something was about to happen. This movie efficiently uses this soundtrack to make seemingly normal scenes appear frightening from an outsider perspective. Often times creating the viewers to become frustrated with the movie characters since these songs make is so obvious that whatever force of nature is roaming around is nearing the scene. 

Overall, with this newfound knowledge on scores and the impact music makes to set the tone for a scene I might be inclined to attempt to compose something for my piece. I do know that if me and my partner decide to incorporate music it will be 100% instrumental since that seems to be a common theme withing the horror genre.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Jaws (Soundtrack).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Jan. 2025.

“The 13 Scariest Horror Film Soundtracks Ever Written.” Classic FM, 30 Oct. 2024, www.classicfm.com/discover-music/periods-genres/film-tv/scariest-horror-soundtracks-music-scores/.