Film Production: Soundtrack Deconstructions

Soundtrack Deconstructions

For my research into the sound track for my thriller film i have looked into thriller films to find out some conventions that are commonly found in the type of thriller film i have created. I know from my research and own experience  that the soundtrack to a film is very important as it sets the scene and immediately shows the genre of a film whilst also being able to create an atmosphere that can impact on the audiences hugely.
One of the conventions that i did find from my deconstructions was that the pace of the music usually matched the action that is happening on screen. For example in many thriller film where there is an action scene at the beginning usually have fast paced sound track. 

When a Stranger Calls (1979)
In the title sequence of When a Stranger Calls, the main character is babysitting in a house, in a quite looking neighborhood.
The film is set at night and a tense thrilling atmosphere is created by the loud soundtrack that is playing. The instruments that are used in the soundtrack are very high pitched long notes that create tension and sets the genre for the film. The use of this sound track creates tension as we (the audience) know from the title and genre of the film that a stranger will call.




The Butterfly Effect (2004)
In the beginning of this Sci- Fi / Thriller film the sound track is slow and high pitched whilst someone is creeping around on scene. Then when the action starts the music picks up a beat and the tempo increases.
Also right at the beginning there is a sound that starts like butterfly wings flying by that is very interesting as the film is called 'The Butterfly Effect.'
The use of climatic music through pitch creates suspense as the audience wait for the climax that in this form is Ashton Kutcher bursting through a door and starting the action on screen and the beating music.


 
Panic Room (2002)
The music to this title sequence starts off quite slowly and softly. The tone of music sounds heroic and dramatic as if the storyline to 'Panic Room' will include some thrilling challenge. The sound effects overlaying the dramatic sound track are urban noises for example the noises of traffic that sets the scene that the film is set in a city. The tempo of the music picks up half way through the title sequence that creates tension and keeps the audience interested.