Sounds and Music within Psychological Thrillers

Often in Psychological thrillers the music and sounds that are used are known as ‘Contrapuntal’. This means that the sound does not match the action on screen. This creates a disorientating effect on the audience - making them question what they are seeing - while also leaving them wondering what will happen next. 

One example of this is in the film Reservoir Dogs (Dir. Quentin Tarantino). During the very gruesome scene where 'Mr Blonde' slices off a Cop's ear. However during this scene, a very upbeat song come on the radio totally juxtaposing what is happening in the scene.

Another example is in the film American Psycho directed by Mary Harron. In this slasher film, Patrick Bateman is preparing for his next kill. While this is happening, he asks his victim if he likes 'Heuy Lewis and the news'? moments later, once the song is on, Norman kills the victim. This music is the exact opposite to what would be expected in a horror film.

In psychological thrillers, Paralleling sounds are also used. These are sounds and music that relate to the situation on screen. If you were watching a film about a car chase, you would expect to hear things like, horns, tires screeching and the roaring engines. 

One example is in the movie The shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick. In the famous 'here's Johnny scene' tension building music is played in the background. This causes the audience to feel on edge as they don't know whether the victim (Wendy) is going to make it out of that situation alive. 

A final example of paralleling sounds is in fights scenes. The use of nerve wracking music in the background creates tension as well as this, screams in the background, gun shots, explosions and more all make the scene seem more realistic. The Highway scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a good example of this as you can hear all these factors.