Behind the scenes: How film scores build suspense in psychological thrillers

Psychological thrillers have captivated audiences with their ability to blur the lines between illusion and reality. It is not just the plot twists in movies like Black Swan and Gone Girl that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but the powerful music that accompanies the most nerve-wracking scenes. As in any movie, the score is vitally important, but in a thriller it can build tension and emotion, which brings the viewer through a range of emotions they're not expecting.

The Sound of Suspense: Composers Who Shape Psychological Thrillers
Music creates suspense and anticipation, but it's not just unique to cinema. It's a principle that is recognised in psychology and used in other forms of entertainment. For example, in the iGaming sector we can see it used across games, with themed live roulette games also employing immersive sound that affects pacing and powers user engagement as the ball slows. Music is also used to create tension in performances like ballet, with different harmonies and volume changes used. These examples mirror the effect we see in movies as tension is created.

There are some famous master manipulators that have made a career of music causing unease, including Atticus Ross and Jóhann Jóhannsson. In Sicario, for example, Jóhannsson uses low-frequency drones that mirror the protagonist's feelings. While in Gone Girl, audiences are captivated by synths and piano sounds that reflect the dark mood of the characters. However, suspense is not just built through sound but with silence too. An idea encapsulated in Hitchcock's quote that "there is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation".

Real-Time Tension: How Music Drives Psychological Suspense
In thrillers, music is much more than background noise. It drives the movie, manipulating our emotional response as viewers and heightening the unpredictability. Take Uncut Gems, where the synth soundtrack created by Daniel Lopatin mirrors the anxiety of the protagonist as they spiral. This music draws the audience into the claustrophobia and chaos. These psychological triggers keep audiences on the edge throughout. Other effects, like dissonant harmonies or even sudden silences, can bring unease and anticipation. It's often what we hear rather than what we see that signals danger.

As technology develops and sounds become even more immersive, producers and directors are pushing the boundaries of music and suspense. Thrillers like Black Swan show how music can distort a story. The music acts as a central character, with high-frequency tones and rhythmic irregularities that mirror the protagonist Nina's story and bring the audience closer to the character's emotions. Clint Mansell creates the perfect score to increase the movie's intensity.

Whether it's subtle piano playing in the background or industrial noise, music in movies, and especially psychological thrillers, can provoke a range of emotions in the audience. It's always important to remember, though, that it's the build-up that matters, and a subtle noise can sometimes be scarier than the visual.