Continuing our monthlong celebration of Halloween with various scary movie and TV-related lists. Check out our online movie database at staytunedmag.com to see if any of these or other scary titles are on this month.
RHAPSODY IN “BOO!”: TOP 5 CREEPIEST FILM SCORES
In the liner notes for the 25th anniversary release of the Jaws soundtrack, director Steven Spielberg writes that, “To this day, I think that [John Williams’] score was clearly responsible for half the success of the film.” So it could be with many scary films, particularly the five listed here, which feature composers getting the macabre musical moods just right:
5. Rosemary’s Baby (1968), Christopher Komeda
A creepy lullaby that would bring anything but pleasant dreams, yet fitting for the nightmarish baby Rosemary brings into the world.
4. The Omen (1976), Jerry Goldsmith
Goldsmith won an Oscar for this sinister score, and was nominated for the song “Ave Satani” played here, a diabolical and haunting twist on a traditional mass.
3. Jaws (1975), John Williams
The ultimate “something’s coming to get ya!” music. I have rarely been to a pool party where at least one person does not still occasionally hum this, especially when playing “shark” or something.
2. Psycho (1960), Bernard Herrmann
Groundbreaking, string-heavy thriller soundtrack that is just as eerie in other scenes as it is in its infamous “ee-ee-ee-ee!” shower sequence.
1. Halloween (1978), John Carpenter
Director Carpenter scored his own classic flick, enhancing his already masterful scary scene setups with a simple yet highly effective soundtrack of dread that kicks things off ominously right from the opening credits.