The context and juxtaposition of sounds are crucial for creating effective scares in horror movies.
Scary sounds with rapid pitch variations, noise, and lower frequencies trigger our instinctual fear responses and survival instincts.
Deep dives
Crafting Scary Sounds in Horror Movies
Trevor Gates, a sound designer, discusses the process of creating scary soundscapes for horror movies. As a sound designer, his job is to enhance the existing sounds in a film or come up with new sounds that work with the visuals. The key to creating effective scares lies in the context and juxtaposition of sounds. For example, a jump scare is most effective when it follows a period of quietness, which lulls the audience into a false sense of security. Trevor also explains how sustained scary sounds, like the ticking of a clock, can create tension and unease. By manipulating various elements, such as noise and low frequencies, sound designers can tap into our instinctual fear responses.
Why Scary Sounds Evoke Fear
Dr. Dan Blumstein, an expert in animal communication, sheds light on why certain sounds evoke fear in humans. He explains that screams and other scary sounds often contain elements of rapid pitch variations and noise, which are universally associated with alarm. According to Blumstein, these alarming sounds serve as honest signals that something terrifying is happening, prompting us to become more alert and cautious. Additionally, sounds like creaking floors and dissonant noises trigger our survival instincts by indicating the presence of another entity. Furthermore, lower frequencies in sounds are also linked to fear as they are produced by larger animals, which are often associated with danger.
The Psychology Behind Fearful Reactions to Sound
Dr. Dan Blumstein dives into the psychological aspect of our fearful reactions to sound. He points out that our reactions are deeply rooted in our biology and survival instincts. Our ancestors who didn't respond to alarm calls with caution were more likely to fall victim to predators. Thus, responding to dissonant noises and alarming sounds allowed our ancestors to detect potential danger and increase their chances of survival. Blumstein also explores how sound is used in horror movies to manipulate our instincts for fear. By understanding the science behind fear and how sounds impact our emotions, filmmakers can create an immersive and terrifying experience for the audience.
We uncover how scary sound effects are created in horror films as well as dissect how sound triggers the fear mechanisms in humans. Featuring Formosa Group Senior Sound Editor/Sound Designer Trevor Gates and Dan Blumstein, professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA.
