Research On Non-Diegetic Sound Used In Supernatural Horror Films

For our opening, we want to have a theme tune which sets a specific mood/tone. The mood we want to set needs to be suspenseful and frightening. This will effectively go well with our possessive clips. After carrying out research, I have found that the soundtracks used in "The Conjuring" happen to be incredibly daunting.

Our existing production companies we have selected are those of "The Warner Brothers" and "New Line Cinema" from the opening of "The Conjuring". I find that the soundtrack used between the transition of these production companies is rather effective. Furthermore, I like the way in which the non-diegetic sound starts of quite subtle and then gradually increases by volume, creating a sense of sudden shock.

 

 

For the possessive parts, I thought using a similar soundtrack again would be useful. This is because, at times the possessive movement can be weak, whereas in others it can be forceful. The non-diegetic sound at 0.15 seconds in the clip above has a huge increase in volume. The sound connotes something shocking. Therefore, having this type of non-diegetic sound would be parallel towards the quick, rapid possessive movements, as the movements build climax.

 

I found another sound clip however, which may be more useful when Neve is showing signs of possession. The soundtrack, "The Witch Comes Through" includes a woman screaming in the background which could signify possession. The track also includes heavy use of chiming sounds which can be parallel to the possessive movement.



 

Towards the end of our clip, Neve disappears. This is a pivotal point in our opening, as audience begin to question the whereabouts of her. Her reappearance is very sharp, with her pouncing in front of the camera. Therefore, it would effective in using a loud sound to which echoes her sudden appearance. The sound clip below includes non-diegetic sounds at the beginning which carry slight emptiness. A similar sound would be useful when the audience see that Neve has escaped from her bed. At 0.30 seconds, the chimes begin to create suspense. After having these sounds, one similar to the impactful sound at 4.27 seconds could be used when Neve reappears.



Evaluation:

• After carrying out this research I shall now go on to find legal free sounds to use in our opening. I find suspenseful sounds which carry force, would be very useful for our opening.