Music in thrillers

Music in thrillers is essential in creating an atmosphere that induces fear, mystery, tension and suspense. In this post, you'll hear (literally) some points on how the features of some themes of thrillers used music and sound to its benefit.

PSYCHO

 

The Psycho theme uses various techniques in order to achieve a suspenseful atmosphere. The music seems to make use of the minor key, which connotes sadness. The composer uses mostly high pitched notes to create an eerie effect and induce suspense. The alternation between both high and low notes also disorients the listener and makes them uneasy, which is the aim of the music in this particular film. The music is also quite up-tempo which means it builds up to a climax faster and is possibly supposed to mirror the racing hearts of the audience. Violins are a major instrument in this theme and makes the song more sound more serious and tense.

 

 

VERTIGO

 

Vertigo's theme, like Psycho's, is quite high pitched which results in a creating a very tense atmosphere for the song, like something unexpected is about to happen. The 'ding-dong' sound that reappears throughout the song, also has a disorienting and hypnotic effect, linking to the title of the film, Vertigo, which is a condition which makes people dizzy at great heights. The up-tempo high pitched sounds also build up the pace of the music, which could be utilised in the film with quickened pace in editing, thereby increasing the tension and producing suspense. The use of trumpets in the music makes it sound grander and connotes the idea of victory which is an odd theme for a thriller film. However it could be because the dizziness from 'Vertigo' causes confusion.