Sound technique · used in 2 films
Scoring a moment of terror with string instruments played harshly, loudly and out of harmony. The shrieking, stabbing sound matches the physical violence on screen.
Examples
Alfred Hitchcock · 1960
Herrmann wrote the 'Psycho' cue (the 'eee-eee-eee' sound) for strings only, even though Hitchcock had asked for a jazz score. It was recorded to sound as aggressive as possible. It is a piece of music, and it also hits your nerves like a physical attack. It is still the most recognizable horror cue in cinema.
Where to see it: The shower sequence. The strings come in with the first movement of the knife.
Martin Scorsese · 1991
The score reworks Bernard Herrmann's music from the original film, arranged by Elmer Bernstein. Harsh, screeching strings back up the violence. It points directly at Hitchcock-style thrillers.
Where to see it: Cady's release: after 14 years in prison, he walks out and heads for the Bowdens.
Questions