Use of sound in Horror/Thriller sequences

I chose to study the thrillers ‘Thorns’ and 'Falter' as they both successfully use sound to achieve specific effects for the audience. It is of high importance for sound devices to be used correctly in thrillers as this allows the tension to build and the audience to grasp the meaning.

For example in the sequence ‘Thorns’ the clip is introduced with a non-diegetic sound of a mellow dramatic, dark, dull sound track of mysterious music to allow the audience to consider the mood and atmosphere in the sequence. The effective use of weather overlapping the music is portrayed to highlight an ambient diegetic sound of the wind howling, the effect of this is to create a sinister feel immediately as the sequence begins. After 8 tense seconds of diegetic howling and high pitched muffled tracks, we are met with a pleonastic sound effect of a door suddenly opening, alongside as a pleonastic sound of an actors footsteps heavily walking

in to heighten the mood and sound. The muffled, low howl is constantly heard throughout the sequence to seek mystery at all times and to allow sound bridges through gestures. We are continuingly met with loud pleonastic sounds of the actor slowly slicing the stem with a knife a few times, the effect of this is for audience members to become more alert and start questioning ideas. Importantly observing, the non-diegetic sound track increases in the background when the actor brushes the black paint, suggesting we normally associate to black to tense dark situations, so the increasing sound enhances this. The diegetic and pleonastic sound of a clock ticking is used to accentuate the silence of the room and suggests ideas that time is important. The soundtrack then builds in pace and volume as the actor cut his finger, the effect of this is to allow the audience to realize the main focus is on his finger at this point. Continuing, ‘thorns’ uses a strong diegetic sound of a mobile phone ringing and loud vocal tones quoting incorrect words, this creates tension and the characters dialogue to help audience members to seek his personality. We finally hear the sound track increasing as the actor is hanging the black rose to build tension to the atmosphere and to heighten the mysterious climax.

Similarly I studied the use of sound in ‘Falter’ as it is similar to ‘Thorns’ in many ways but portrays a completely different message; I appreciated how sound can be used in so many different ways to achieve certain effects. ‘Falter’ immediately uses a low muffled diegetic sound of an ambient train moving this sound set the sequence and instantly creates tension. By using a sound of a train passing, it makes the audience more alert and the effect of this is to promptly heighten the pace. We are met shortly after with the sounds of the characters struggle and rustling of his feet and body. The effect of using a pleonastic sound of the actors foot dragging against the floor adds to the tense atmosphere and enhances the tension portrayed. Heavy diegetic breathing exaggerates the use of suspense and we can clearly see the actors intensified battle through short breaths. This thriller is closely compared to ‘Thorns’ as I wanted to find two thrillers using the same diegetic sound effect of a mobile phone ringing. In this sequence, when the mobile phone rings, the pace and volume increases within the clip and the diegetic ringing is made clearer for the audience to feel more alert and this builds curiosity. The strong gestures lead to the diegetic and pleonastic sounds of the characters clothes rustling and the chair hitting the ground, the effect of this is to exaggerate the struggle the two actors are battling for and this makes members of the audience feel more tense through sudden, sharp sounds. I recognized ‘Falters’ uses a low heartbeat to purposely add tension to the building of the actor’s death but also observe when he dies the subtle heart beat stops. The effect of the heartbeat is to allow sound bridges to be noticed but also to have a continuing base.

Both clips use strong diegetic sound for effect and similarly use clear pleonastic sounds of characters gestures and sounds. Although ‘Thorns’ uses soundtracks as a stimulus, however ‘Falter’s’ does not. In contrast to ‘Thorns’ there was no vocal dialogue heard throughout the whole sequence, the effect of this creates a huge impact on the use of silent communication. For example, when the actor answers his phone, it allows the audience to appreciate his non-verbal communication through his successful facial expressions and body language creating mysterious building tension. However, both thrillers successfully heighten the tension and suspense throughout and achieve the most beneficial climaxes.

In thrillers, the conventions of the genre are normally created to identify some characteristics. For instance, the aim of thrillers is to create suspense, tension and excitement for the audience. Violence is central to most thrillers and the location set is normally in a dark, mysterious areas. Usually it will be rational rather than supernatural. Personally, I feel both the thriller sequences successfully are genre conventions and I learnt through both the thrillers, specific sound creates specific effects, for instance, breathing.

The sound in both clips have added a huge impact in building tension, although silence is very powerful, the use of sound helps the clip heighten mystery and even alarm spooky aspects. The sound has been very effective and has grasped the audience in both clips. I appreciate the successful use of sound devices in both thrillers and I understand how important sound is, showing how one small sound can portray a huge message.

'Thorns'- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZIPyLfzPqo&list=PL_P5ZEHuHS2Zm0WOOaHx30LbQmrPJHhew&index=12

'Falter' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rafCcqHcOI&list=PL_P5ZEHuHS2Zm0WOOaHx30LbQmrPJHhew&index=9