Importance of an 'Excellent' Soundtrack + Soundtrack Ideas

The Importance of an 'Excellent' Soundtrack 
Within a Film

Soundtracks in films is one way in-which the director can communicate with the audience to tell them exactly how to think and feel while viewing a particular scene or scenes.

A classic example of how important the soundtrack within a film which can create a frightening atmosphere, tension, suspense, horror, and most important of all, the heart-pounding thrilling feeling has to be from.......

Jaws (1975).

From the use of shark infested waters that create wide open spaces of no escape which challenge thriller conventions, the appearance of the Dolly Zoom, and of course, the most recognized convention of all, the use of an enigma - the shark itself by using the imagination of the audience.

Jaws was directed by one of the most famous film makers of our time, Steven Spielberg. 

He employed the Oscar winning composer, John Williams (Johnny Williams) whose produced and created some of the most iconic soundtracks of film history. Famous tracks include the themes for: "Harry Potter", "Star Wars" and "E.T". His first ever soundtrack was for "Lost in Space" (1960's). 

The soundtrack used in the opening scene of Jaws sets an atmosphere of ever closing danger. The tension is so unbearable that you're literally gasping for air, while frantically gripping onto your seat - that's if, you're still in it of course! 


This is the type of effect myself and James wish to achieve for our "Opening to a New Thriller Film". 

Here is the full theme tune/soundtrack of "Jaws (1975)":

Here is part of the opening scene which visually shows the impact of using a dramatic soundtrack that creates suspense and tension:

Soundtrack Ideas

1) "House of Evil.mp3" - From "http://www.audionautix.com/".

All music in this online collection created by Jason Shaw. Released under Creative Commons license 3.0
You are free to use the music (even for commercial purposes) as long as you credit
“ audionautix.com” where possible.
Music must be part of some other created works. No further permission is required.

This soundtrack starts off with a great feel - The feeling which would be expressed in music as if you're all alone and vulnerable. This shall establish the atmosphere and setting.

Even if this soundtrack is only 00:55 seconds long, and is most likely too short for our production. It is a good available option encase myself and James would like to use it. We could always edit it so that the middle section is longer. 


2) "Spooky-abience-with-heartbeat.mp3" by "Blacklizard77" from "http://www.freesound.org/".

Freesound is a collaborative database of Creative Commons Licensed sounds. Browse, download and share sounds.

This soundtrack is again, rather short. However, the drum beats at 0:08 for example will be great for the dramatic entrance of the "stalker's" feet. The heart-beats throughout the soundtrack, even if they are quiet, add suspense and tension for the audience - much like the two musical notes used in the soundtrack for "Jaws (1975)".