10 Golden Rules For Making The Perfect Horror Movie

When I say soundtrack, I don't just mean music. True, some of the most iconic horror films are inseparable from their theme music, but there's more to it than that. Music is more like a single ingredient than the actual meal - it is a key factor to the flavor, but would be a touch underwhelming on its own.

When one thinks of the concept of horror, there are a thousand sound effects that spring to mind: Creaking floorboards, howling winds, shrieks echoing in the distance... Subtext and horrific visuals are necessary, but it is the sound that draws us into the horror mindset.

Aesthetically, sound is the only component of film that directly touches your imagination. Have you ever tried to watch a horror film from before 1928 immediately after watching one of its contemporary ancestors? It won't get under your skin at all because you still live in the sound-scape of your living room. The horror film is there on the screen, but there is no tangible connection to the room you're in when watching it. If you watch Nosferatu back to back with Psycho, both may intrigue you visually, but only one will cause your flesh to crawl.

I mentioned atmosphere in the last entry, and let me reiterate my point: A truly great horror film makes you feel like you're living inside the world of the film. Immaculate sound work builds the feel of the world more than visuals ever could on their own, creating that tangible connection I mentioned a mere 2 sentences ago. If you close your eyes, you cannot quite shut out the dread in the air.

What other Golden Rules would you add to this list? Share your own suggestions below in the comments thread.