What Makes Scary Music Scary? The “Obsession” Composer on Crafting a Killer Horror Movie Score
The art of crafting a horror movie score, as explored by Rock Burwell in his work on 'Obsession,' reveals the profound impact music can have on audience emotions. By subverting expectations with dreamy yet unsettling melodies, Burwell's approach diverges from traditional horror soundscapes, relying on subtle discomfort rather than overt dissonance. This technique not only contributed to 'Obsession's' remarkable success but also highlights the power of music to evoke complex emotional responses, such as comfort laced with unease.
The collaboration between music and visual elements is crucial, as demonstrated by Burwell's interaction with the cinematography team to enhance the film's atmospheric tension. This synergy underscores the importance of experimentation in horror, where composers like Burwell and Katy Jarzebowski push boundaries to create new, unexpected forms of fear. Their work invites both audiences and creators to reconsider the familiar, making room for innovation in a genre that thrives on the unknown.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- Traditional horror movie scores often rely on predictable, harsh sounds which can become less effective with savvy audiences.
- The actions
- Burwell and his team used unexpected musical choices and collaborated closely with visual artists to create a more immersive, unsettling experience.
- Evidence of progress
- The film 'Obsession' grossed over $500 million on a modest budget, indicating the commercial success of this innovative approach.
- What we can learn
- Other filmmakers can learn to experiment with sound and collaborate across disciplines to create unique emotional experiences in their work.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 6
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 7
- Meaning
- 5
- Accomplishment
- 8
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Curiosity
Burwell's exploration of nontraditional, subtly discomfiting melodies shows a deep curiosity about the boundaries of horror music.
Creativity
By opting for dreamy, nostalgic sounds that defy horror norms, Burwell exhibits creativity in his approach to scoring.
Collaboration
Burwell's collaboration with the director and cinematographer to align the music with the film's visual tone exemplifies teamwork.
Try this today
Try watching a suspenseful scene from a film you love with the sound off, then with the sound on. Notice how the music and sound effects alter your perception of the scene. Reflect on how subtle changes in sound can evoke different emotions.