Sound in Horror films.

Sound:

The use of sound in horror films is very important. This is because it can change how a scene (or entire film) is seen. Diegetic sounds tend to be exaggerated, this allows tension to build. Examples of these are loud snapping branches, footsteps and creaking. Non-Diegetic is equally important, as it can make the audience feel scared and can also make the audience jump. For example the shower scene in Psycho.

Music can change the feel of a scene completely. For example a scene could be extremely violent, however happy/fun music played over this would make scene funny. This is shown in clockwork orange ('The thieving magpie' by Gioachino Rossini) in the river scene and reservoir dogs ('Stuck in the middle with you' by Stealers Wheel) when a man is being tortured.

Silence is also important in horror films. This is because the use of silence provides a heavy tone to the films. We expect the jump scares and suspense when music is used, and do not expect it when there isn't any sound or music. This can catch us off guard, and build suspense and terror even more than music does. Silence is also used to convey emotions.

In the Cornucopia Bloodbath scene in 'The Hunger Games', (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anqrs5AdYB4) there is no diegetic sound used. The sound within the films world is not there, however we are presented with eerie sounding non-diegetic music. This is used so that we do not focus on the violence in this scene, or the amount of deaths shown. The music is used to show the panic in the character, Katniss, and the reactions of those participating or watching.
In our film, we are thinking of using this towards the end of the film, once the final character is alone and attempting to get away.