The reason behind the unsettling nature of fearsome melodies
Scary sounds in movies have long been a staple of horror films, causing audiences to jump in their seats and feel a sense of dread. But have you ever wondered why certain sounds are so unsettling? A number of studies and experts have delved into this very question, revealing some fascinating insights.
One key factor is the use of nonlinear sound, which is discordant, disturbing, and harsh to human ears. Examples of movies that employ this technique include "Psycho," "Jaws," "The Shining," "The Exorcist," and the original "King Kong" from 1933. Soundtrack engineers have even used actual animal cries and screeching to provoke horror in audiences since the early days of cinema.
The tritone, two notes that are three whole steps apart (such as F and B), was known as diabolus in musica (devil in music) in the Middle Ages. Certain combinations of notes, like the tritone, have been carefully avoided throughout history to avoid any kind of negative emotion. Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D-minor" was not considered particularly scary until it was used in movies like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Tales from the Crypt."
Researchers have found that nonlinear chaotic noise made by distressed baby animals also causes emotional distress in humans. This response, according to evolutionary biologist Daniel Blumstein, is very much biological. Blumstein, who works at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), suggests that our ancestors would have been better off avoiding predators with unusual and discordant calls.
A number of studies have examined more than 100 movie soundtracks and discovered that nonlinear sound is an important part of scenes that are meant to stir up fear and negative feelings. A study published in Public Library of Science-One in 2011 found that lack of habituation follows the presentation of novel sounds. This means that our brains don't get used to scary sounds, keeping us on edge and contributing to the overall sense of unease.
Patience Haggin's article in Time (2012) and Jessica Stoller-Conrad's article in NPR (2012) both discuss what makes music sound scary. Haggin's article, titled "Why Is Scary Music Scary? Here's the Science," delves into the biological and psychological aspects of our reactions to scary sounds. Stoller-Conrad's article, titled "Putting Fear in Your Ears: What Makes Music Sound Scary," explores the role of dissonance and unexpected changes in music that contribute to our feelings of fear.
Steve Connor's article in The Independent (2010) and Andrew Druckenbrod's article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2011) both discuss why film and TV scores can be scary. Connor's article, titled "How Animal Cries are Used in Horror Films," examines the use of animal cries in horror films, while Druckenbrod's article, titled "A Few Notes on Why We Find Film and TV Scores Scary," explores the role of music in creating suspense and tension.
Discovery News reported in 2013 that animal screams are manipulated in movie soundtracks, and the article "Animal Screams Manipulate Movie Audiences" by Discovery News (2013) is another source on the topic. The "Dies Irae," a Gregorian chant with a mere eight notes and macabre, apocalyptic lyrics, is considered scary today despite many people not understanding Latin. This chant has been used in numerous horror films, adding to the overall sense of dread and unease.
In conclusion, the use of nonlinear sound, dissonance, and unexpected changes in music have been proven to contribute to our feelings of fear and unease in horror films. The manipulation of animal cries and the use of historical pieces like the "Dies Irae" also play a role in creating a sense of dread and unease. Understanding the science behind these techniques can help us appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into creating a truly terrifying horror film.
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