There are many aspects of an effective horror movie, but near the top of the list, more so than in almost any other genre, is the almighty soundtrack. A legitimately creepy mood is all about atmosphere, and the soundtrack sets the tone, for better or for worse.
The right soundtrack can instill terror with just a few notes for years after you see the film. The wrong soundtrack can kill a flick. Don’t believe me? Imagine PSYCHO with a jazz score. WTF, right? Well that’s how Hitchcock wanted it originally. The soundtrack is so important, in fact, that the top four entries on the list are instantly recognizable when spelled out phonetically!
So let’s get to some genius music that has caused most of us to foul our pantalones at some point or another in our lives.
Composer: Charles Bernstein
The generous use of synthesizer’s immediately pegs the music as the 80’s influenced child that it is, but it doesn’t take away from the genuine creepiness as the kids (and us) deal with Freddy for the first time. It’s not surprising to find that many have a nostalgic place in their hearts for this soundtrack, but what does surprise is how effective it remains in spite of tragically dated instrumentation.
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
For pure f@ck you up tonal assault there aren’t many better examples than Goldsmith’s work here, though much of it didn’t get used in the film. In fact, much of the fear in ALIEN comes from deep echoes in cavernous, metallic spaces. There’s an argument that what Goldsmith did manage to get into the film does brilliantly what the score is supposed to do – enhance each scene without drawing attention to itself. Perhaps that’s why the finished product left out some of the more aggressive moments in the orchestrations, but regardless this is one sick (in the good way) piece of work.
Composer: Goblin
Argento. Goblin. Classic. The mixture of these perfectly unsettling songs mixed with Dario’s legendary visual style was a combo that served us well through many films. There’s no question, however, that SUSPIRIA, is the one that showed the full power of the duo. Fun ride? Hell yeah!
Composer: Various
Did I indicate that Goldsmith’s ALIEN score was mostly unique? Well, I had to give that caveat because the full THE EXORCIST soundtrack is unparalleled in smashing the listeners’ brains in and making them wonder how they ended up in this f@cked up world. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells is the most recognized tune from the film, and it’s great. Much of the other music got left out for arguable reasons (rights issues vs. creative issues), but when you hear it, like it or not, it is powerful shite. If more of the music was actually in the film, it’d be much higher on the list.
Composer: Philip Glass
Philip Glass is a certified genius. He writes music like nobody else. Mix that with the imagination of Clive Barker and what the hell do you think you’re gonna get. Pulsing, intense, controlled insanity. I challenge anyone to listen to this in a darkened room and have the balls to say “Candyman” three times without getting scared like a little kid hearing monsters in the closet. This shite will keep your ass up at night.