Editing in Horror/Thriller Films

Editing is what essentially makes the horror a horror, especially in horror thriller films. The reason for this is that the editing determines the pace, timing, sound etc. Which all together create suspense and the vital scare moments of the film.

From that point, below will be a few examples of important editing in horror/thrillers.

Pace:

The pace of shots have to reflect the situation.

For example, if there is build ups to create suspense, you tend to have longer, slower tracking shots so that it is suspenseful as the focus is purely on that moment.

Another example is the pace would be fast if there is a chase scene or jump scare. Therefore, a series of fast paced editing would be used, cutting from shot to shot and/or character to character. This highlights importance and screams to the audience it is a key moment and it is intense or scary due the fast pace.

Below, you can see in this short film (The smiling Man) the use of pacing to create suspense and to reflect the situation.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is another editing feature which is important. The reason for this is that, the soundtrack firstly has to suit mood of each scene and shot. Then the levels and rise of the soundtrack then have to be working with the film visually.

For example, the soundtrack has to be low and eerie to begin, gradually increasing til the fake scare. Levels then drop and starts to build again to recreate suspense. The soundtrack then builds and gets louder and faster to penultimately erupt whether being a death, a jump scare, a chase scene etc.

Below is an example of how soundtrack is used to create suspense or to symbolise a chase scene and/or death. Stranger Things:

Sound Effects:

This also falls under this section. The purpose is highlight the action further. It is used to scream out to the audience something important is happening! The use of sound effects too is to create a jump scare, typically the noise is what creates the fear in the audience and when that loud noise is heard after we have been exposed to silence, is when the audience jump out of their seats.

Cuts

Cuts are used frequently to portray jumpscares, chase scene, and all other moments in the film that create suspense.

An example of a cut is a quick cut. This is used to unease the audience by disorientating them, which creates a tense atmosphere for the viewers.

Another cut is a jump cut, to jump between shots, to show the action quickly, firstly to not reveal anything in too much detail however it is on the screen long enough for the audience to react in whatever way was intended to. The jump cut usually then jumps to close-up to show the reaction of the character.

Above is a video that demonstrates the cuts, but also shows all other transitions and cuts that lie in all films. This was helpful to watch to gain ideas , in addition to highlighting the main ones used in the horror genre.