The document discusses techniques used to create atmosphere and suspense in horror films. It describes how darkness can be used to draw attention to certain objects or areas, or leave the audience guessing about what is happening. A known antagonist can also create tension as the audience knows the character is in danger. Sudden movements are effective at scaring viewers when there is little other action. Settings like isolated houses and graveyards, as well as unsettling sounds and discordant music, further build an eerie atmosphere and suspense.

1. Darkness Unknown enemy/antagonist. Known antagonist.
The use of darkness in films If the audience does not know A known enemy or antagonist
provide an eerie atmosphere. who the main antagonist is in the can also have a chilling effect as
Darkness can be used to try and film, then they are guessing what the audience will know when
draw the audience’s attention to is happening, constantly asking somebody is in a dangerous
a specific object, or the darkness questions about what is going on, situation and the character has
can be used to draw attention to why events are happening. no idea what could happen.
a lighter area on screen.
Setting
Sudden Movements.
The setting of a horror film is one
When there isn’t much action
of the most important aspects.
happening on screen, then
Usually the setting is one of a
sudden movements scare the
lonely and quiet area, such as
audience.
somebody’s house in a quiet
area. Other popular places
include a graveyard, shopping
centres and caravan parks.
Sounds. Music
Suspense
The use of sounds in horror films Music is used to create tension
Suspense is built up through a
try and scare the audience by and uncertainty. Usually the
combination of the other aspects
using sounds such as creaking pitch of the music is high and
that have been talked about
floorboards or dripping taps, each note is played at different
here. It builds up tension and
doors opening or tapping. All points, no flowing music. Lots of
builds an eerie atmosphere.
these sounds are usually heard screeching.
when there isn’t any other
sound.