9. The Entity (1982) - Charles Bernstein
Before Paranormal Activity, there was The Entity. Its a film about a woman being attacked - or more to the point - being raped by an invisible intruder of supernatural origin. If you forget about the films rarely used '80s effects that look like a poor mans Emperor Palpatine lightening bolt, then its actually a brilliantly disturbing movie. Oh, you also have to forget about the questionable frozen ice effect at the end... The score was written by Charles Bernstein of A Nightmare on Elm Street fame. The film has a heavy use of synth combined with a pseudo-orchestral sound made up mostly of strings. Every main cue seems to be dominated by synth. The most impressive accomplishment that sets this horror score apart is its ability to (not unlike the music in Jaws) fully represent the physical presence of the monster. Although we dont see the Entity when it attacks, the unrelenting pulse of the drums, combined with bass clearly communicate its violent physicality. It builds a level of unbearable tension until finally Mr. Bernstein hits the low keys on the piano and starts a head-banging beat from hell. You know a score is working when you cant imagine the film without it. This is one of the most obvious examples of a film that literally would fall apart without its marriage to music.