Byline: E.L. Hall
It's that time of year and Rotten Tomatoes has just posted its 10 Scariest Horror Films list. Have any favorites or notice any omissions? Personally, I miss The Omen (1976), and Don't Look Now. Post your thoughts in the comments!
From chilling narratives to binge-worthy franchises, the horror genre thrives on its unique ability to evoke fear and intrigue. Behind spine-tingling films lie a combination of talented filmmakers and evolving technology.
Horror filmmaking is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with both practical and digital effects playing pivotal roles. Practical effects- makeup, prosthetics, animatronics, and mechanical rigs-are foundational elements in creating terrifying creatures and immersive environments. Meanwhile, digital visual effects (VFX) allow filmmakers to craft supernatural elements, from ghostly apparitions to elaborate settings that would be dangerous or costly to produce physically. The success of these films depends upon how well these are blended.
Ari Aster, the visionary behind Hereditary and Midsommar, effectively used miniatures which were meticulously handcrafted by artist Steve Newburn, to portray the characters' loss of control in Hereditary, creating an unsettling, artificially constructed reality. Newburg also created the prosthetics for the film. In the hauntingly elegant The Others, director Alejandro Amen bar utilized digital fog and mist to convey isolation, enhancing the film's muted, timeless aesthetic through subtle digital manipulations that emphasized shadows and candlelight. 3D printing has also made a significant impact on physical effects, contributing to projects including Renfield, Avengers:End Game, The Mandalorian, Raised by Wolves among others).
In horror, cinematographers are key collaborators, crafting the visuals that amplify fear and unease through visual language. Rados aw adczuk, the cinematographer for The Babadook, utilized forced perspective and strategic angles to enhance the monster's looming presence. Kent and adczuk employed in-camera effects, including mirrors and reflections, to create an unsettling viewing experience that keeps audiences on edge.
The use of negative space can also provoke unease, as articulated by Kent, while renowned horror filmmaker James Wan leverages dynamic camera movements to elevate tension. Tracking shots glide through eerie environments, leading viewers into the unknown. In Midsommar, Aster and his long-time director of photography, Pawel Pogorzelski, capitalized on Sweden's perpetual summer daylight to create a disorienting brightness that sharply contrasts the film's dark themes.
Mike Flanagan, the mind behind Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House often opts for naturalistic lighting to instill realism, enhancing emotional depth and viewer engagement. Each cinematic choice, from lighting to framing, propels the narrative and immerses the audience in the horror.
The found footage genre, from The Blair Witch Project to the Paranormal Activity series, has reshaped horror filmmaking.Oren Peli's Paranormal Activity, created on a mere $15,000 budget, grossed over $194 million, showcasing how studios can achieve remarkable returns with a unique idea and inventive cinematography, effects, and editing.
Sound can be an invisible force behind the fear. In horror films, sound design is crucial in building tension and atmosphere. Foley artists enhance the auditory experience, while binaural recording and spatial audio create immersive soundscapes that pull audiences deeper into the narrative. John Carpenter's score for Halloween serves as a benchmark in horror sound design, utilizing synth pads in groundbreaking ways to heighten fear.
Editing is where the power of horror happens, shaping the pacing and structure that deliver heart-stopping moments. Whether using Adobe Premiere, Avid Media Composer, or DaVinci Resolve, editors craft jump cuts and cross cuts that amplify suspense. Jennifer Lame for Hereditary (Lame is an Oscar and HPA Award winner for Oppenheimer), Roy Lovejoy for The Shining, Lucian Johnston for Midsommar, Emilio C Perez for It Follows, Rick Shane (with Patrick McMahon) for Nightmare on Elm Street, SImon Njoo for The Babadook, and Louise Ford for The Witch are editors bring home the scares. Collaborating closely with directors, they develop scene maps and pacing plans that align with the envisioned emotional trajectory, ultimately turning raw footage into a cohesive, spine-chilling narrative.
The future? As horror continues to captivate audiences and film studios, the blend of innovative technology and creative artistry will undoubtedly shape its future. From visual effects to sound design, the tools available to filmmakers are evolving, offering endless possibilities for terrifying storytelling. The future will certainly hold more AI supported and created films. But for this Halloween season, dive into a list of classic and modern horror films and discover the artistry that brings these chilling tales to life.
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