Music in Thrillers

Music can be so influential- it can change somebody's mood, make them think, move them emotionally, used to relax, to dance to etc. In Thriller films, Directors often use music in order to enhance the atmosphere in a scene.

It could be used non-diegetically to add tension to the scene. Sometimes the music used is slow, haunting and orchestral to make the audience feel on edge, where as at other times it is much louder and more dramatic to scare or shock. The music could use both of these dynamics, peaking and falling in order to build and release tension as appropriate. The music could be structured to parallel the on-screen action (for example, it could be in time with the character's footsteps) or it could be used in opposition (to make the action seem strange and dislocated).

Music could also be used diegetically, eg. a character is listening to the radio (establishing a normal situation) and the lyrics could reflect something eery or the music could be covering up the sound of someone approaching their victim... etc.

Music may also be used to disturb the audience. This could be because the lyrics are linked to the action, contrasting to the action or maybe just because they sound quite strange (like synthesised instruments to make them sound odd and distorted or flawed music, such as the screeching sound that can be made on a violin).