This podcast delves into the spine-chilling world of horror film scores. Iconic tracks from classics like 'The Shining' and 'Halloween' set the eerie mood for the discussion. The hosts explore how unique instrumentation and innovative sound design elevate fear and chaos in films such as 'Hereditary' and 'Suspiria.' They reflect on personal childhood memories tied to horror, while also examining complex relationships depicted in these films. Listeners get insights into the haunting scores of sci-fi horror, connecting music's emotional weight to themes of dread.
The podcast emphasizes the significant impact of film scores in horror cinema, particularly how they enhance the narrative and evoke emotions, as exemplified by Wendy Carlos's unsettling music in The Shining.
It explores how the scores for films like The Witch and Chernobyl create specific atmospheres through historical accuracy and minimalist techniques, effectively reflecting the themes of fear, dread, and real-life horror.
Deep dives
Exploring The Shining's Haunting Score
The discussion highlights the eerie score of Stanley Kubrick's film The Shining, primarily composed by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind, which sets an unsettling tone that mirrors the film's horror narrative. Although the score evokes chilling modern synth textures combined with haunting vocals, most of the film’s music is attributed to classical composers like Penderecki and Ligeti due to Stanley Kubrick's editorial choices. A notable anecdote shared is about a famous trailer featuring Wendy Carlos’s music, initially called 'Clockworks' but later renamed 'Bloody Elevators,' which left a lasting fear on the speakers as they recalled watching it as children. The opening shot of the trailer, showing blood pouring from elevators, serves as an iconic moment that deeply unsettled audiences and illustrated how impactful a well-crafted score can be in horror cinema.
The Chilling Score of The Witch
Mark Corvin's score for The Witch is characterized by its adherence to the film's 1630s Puritanical setting, featuring instruments that reflect historical accuracy and atmospheric dread. The music employs elements reminiscent of nursery rhymes, with handclaps invoking the eerie image of children playing, which amplifies the film’s sense of unsettling innocence. As the plot revolves around the disappearance of a baby and an ensuing witch hunt, Corvin's score aids in creating an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of fear and paranoia. The interplay of droning sounds with rhythmic clapping evokes images of witches, enhancing the film's tension by contrasting childlike innocence with chilling undertones.
Suspense and Chaos in Suspiria's Score
The Italian horror film Suspiria features a memorable score from the band Goblin, who utilized unconventional instruments to create an overwhelming auditory experience. This score, described as a blend of funky rock and progressive sounds, captures the chaos and horror of the ballet academy's dark secrets. The movie's opening death scene is underscored by this frenetic music, aimed at ensuring that the audience feels the constant presence of witches even when they are not on screen. The complexity and volume of the score, coupled with Dario Argento’s vibrant direction, create a unique cinematic experience marked by visual and auditory excess.
The Minimalist Terror of Chernobyl's Score
Hildur Guðnadóttir's score for the TV series Chernobyl is highlighted for its minimalist yet profoundly unsettling qualities that reflect the reality of the nuclear disaster. Incorporating sounds sampled from a decommissioned power plant, the score enhances the show's atmospheric dread and reflects a sense of unpredictability. The percussion element of the music adds to a feeling of instability, as the harmony shifts and creates a sensation akin to an impending crisis. This score stands out due to its unique relationship with real-life horror, serving a different narrative role compared to traditional horror film soundtracks.
We celebrate spooky season with an unnerving mix of songs from our favorite horror movie scores, including The Shining, Under The Skin, Hereditary and more.
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Featured songs and films: 1. Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind: "Main Title" and "Clockworks (Bloody Elevators)," from The Shining 2.Mark Korven: "The Goat & The Mayhem," from The Witch 3. Goblin: "Sighs," from Suspiria 4. Hildur Guǒnadóttir: "The Door," from Chernobyl 5. John Carpenter: "Main Title," from Halloween 6. Colin Stetson: "Mothers & Daughters," from Hereditary 7. Mica Levi: "Lipstick To Void," from Under the Skin 8. Cristobal Tapia De Veer: "Laura Smile," from Smile 9. Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow: "The Alien," from Annihilation 10. Bobby Krlic: "Gassed," from Midsommar
