Tyler Wynn
From horror movie sound effects to everyday noises, different people find different sounds scary. Some people find the sound of a baby monitor or low whispering amidst white noise scary, while others find the sound of a throat gurgling or a high-pitched buzz frightening. In horror films, sound design plays a crucial role in creating a scary atmosphere, with examples including the use of constant screaming and sudden silence in Nope and Lipstick to the Void from the Under the Skin soundtrack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film | NOPE, Sinister, Audition |
| Sound Type | Screaming, whispering, high-pitched buzz, gurgling, throat sounds, white noise |
| Object/Character | UFO, Annie |
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What You'll Learn
The sound of low whispering amidst white noise
White noise, known for its ability to mask other noises and aid sleep, can sometimes have unexpected effects. Some people have reported hearing voices, music, or other sounds within the white noise, an occurrence known as auditory pareidolia. This happens when the brain tries to make sense of the noise by filling in the gaps with familiar sounds. It can be unsettling to hear whispers or conversations just out of range of understanding, especially when one is trying to relax or fall asleep.
The low bass of a whisper can be particularly effective at grabbing attention, which may be one reason it is often used in sound design for horror films. The contrast between the low whisper and the white noise can create a sense of unease and tension, making it an effective tool for building suspense and creating a scary atmosphere.
Additionally, the very nature of whispering can contribute to the sense of fear and uncertainty. Whispers suggest secrecy or something being hidden, which can trigger feelings of paranoia or the sense that something unknown or dangerous is approaching. This is especially true when the whispering is unintelligible, leaving the listener to fill in the blanks with their imagination, often interpreting the sounds in a negative or threatening light.
In conclusion, the combination of low whispering and white noise can be a powerful auditory stimulus, tapping into our deepest fears and uncertainties. The contrast between the two sounds, the association of whispering with secrecy or danger, and the way the brain interprets ambiguous sounds all contribute to the sense that this particular combination of sounds is especially scary.
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Recordings of Anneliese Michel
The recordings of Anneliese Michel are considered to be among the scariest sounds ever. Anna Elisabeth "Anneliese" Michel was a German woman who underwent 67 Catholic exorcism rites in the year before her death in 1976. Michel had a history of psychiatric treatment and medication for epileptic psychosis and depression. However, when these treatments failed to improve her symptoms, she and her family became convinced that she was possessed by a demon.
Michel's family appealed to the Catholic Church for an exorcism, which was initially rejected. Eventually, two priests, Pastor Ernst Alt and Father Arnold Renz, received permission from the local bishop, Josef Stangl, to perform the exorcism in 1975. The exorcism sessions were recorded, and these tapes have since become infamous for their disturbing content. During the exorcisms, Michel exhibited unusual behaviour, including growling like an animal and licking her urine off the floor.
In the recordings, Michel can be heard speaking in different voices and languages, some of which she had no prior knowledge of. The tapes also feature what was claimed to be "demons arguing," with several entities identifying themselves as Lucifer, Cain, Judas Iscariot, Nero, Adolf Hitler, and an evil priest named Fleischmann. The defence team in the subsequent trial against the priests and Michel's parents played these tapes to assert their claim that Michel was possessed.
The exorcisms ultimately failed to improve Michel's condition, and she stopped eating, leading to her death from malnutrition and dehydration. The priests and Michel's parents were found guilty of negligent homicide and sentenced to jail time and probation, as well as a fine. Michel's case has since inspired several horror films, including "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Requiem," and has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
The recordings of Anneliese Michel continue to be a source of fascination and fear, with many finding the tapes and Michel's story deeply disturbing and unsettling.
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High-pitched buzz from *Sinister*
The high-pitched buzz from the 2012 supernatural horror film *Sinister* is considered one of the most horrifying sound effects in movie history. In a Reddit thread discussing the scariest audio or sound experienced, one user described how the sound effect in the film's lawn care scene gave them goosebumps.
The sound effect is so effective because it resembles tinnitus, a condition that causes people to hear noises that no one else can hear. Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing sound, but it can also manifest as a buzz, roar, whistle, hum, click, hiss, or squeal. The sound may be soft or loud, low or high-pitched, and can come and go or be present all the time.
Tinnitus has been linked to various causes, including certain medications, earwax or ear infections, head or neck injuries, blood vessel problems, and chronic conditions such as diabetes, migraines, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune disorders. In rare cases, it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder that can cause balance problems and hearing loss.
While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage its impact. The condition can affect mood and disrupt sleep and concentration, and in severe cases, it can lead to anxiety or depression. The high-pitched buzz in *Sinister* taps into the unnerving and unsettling nature of tinnitus, making it one of the scariest sounds in cinema.
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Screaming and then sudden stop
The sudden cessation of screaming can be just as terrifying as the act itself. This phenomenon can be observed in the realm of horror films, where the abrupt cessation of screaming can evoke a sense of dread and anticipation in the viewer. It signifies an abrupt end to the chaos, leaving one to wonder about the fate of the screamer.
In the context of sleep disorders, night terrors often manifest as screaming that abruptly stops. This can be extremely disorienting and distressing for both the person experiencing the night terror and those witnessing it. The individual may not recall the episode, adding an element of mystery and concern.
The medical condition klazomania, characterised by compulsive shouting, can result in screaming fits that seem to be outside the patient's control. The episodes can last for several hours, with the patient appearing to be in pain, yet the screams are unrelated to physical discomfort. The unpredictable nature of these episodes, coupled with the patient's apparent loss of control, can be deeply unsettling for those witnessing it.
In horror media, the sudden cessation of screaming can serve as a powerful storytelling device. It can signify a character's demise or the onset of a terrifying revelation. This technique harnesses the power of silence after a period of intense vocalisation, creating a stark contrast that amplifies the sense of fear and suspense.
The impact of screaming and its sudden cessation extends beyond horror films and sleep disorders. It resonates with our primal instincts, tapping into our deepest fears and reminding us of our vulnerability in the face of unknown dangers. The abrupt silence that follows can leave us with a lingering sense of trepidation, prompting us to brace for the unknown.
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Soundtrack of *Under the Skin*
The 2013 film *Under the Skin* features a critically acclaimed score by Mica Levi. The soundtrack has been described as "cold, strange, and creepy as hell", with strings, percussion, distortions in speed, and clashing microphones that create sounds that are "seductive, perverted, and compassionate". Pitchfork characterised the music as "deliberate and dreamlike", reflecting the film's themes and enhancing the "illusion of a twisted, heart-rending reality".
The score received high praise for Levi's instrumentation and minimalist approach, with several reviewers comparing it to the music of Stanley Kubrick's films, including *2001: A Space Odyssey* and *The Shining*. Levi's commitment to the film's themes was noted as "all-consuming", and the score was said to be "tightly woven into the film's DNA".
The soundtrack has also been described as "brilliant", "fantastic", and "terrifying". It was ranked by Pitchfork as the 18th greatest industrial album and the second-best film score of all time. The track "Lipstick to the Void" was specifically mentioned by a Reddit user as particularly scary.
Despite the acclaim, the score was not shortlisted for nominations at the 87th Academy Awards. This was attributed to factors such as the film's box office performance, its release in 2013 before its final theatrical premiere in 2014, and its non-contemporary narrative. However, the score did win several awards in critics' associations and online polls.
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