Meep American Horror Story

Ed Bradley

2 min read

·

03-12-2024

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American Horror Story (AHS), known for its chilling visuals and disturbing narratives, relies heavily on its soundscape to enhance the unsettling atmosphere. While the show’s grotesque imagery often takes center stage, the carefully curated audio design plays a crucial, often overlooked, role in building suspense, fear, and overall narrative impact. This exploration delves into the strategic use of sound in AHS, highlighting its contribution to the show's unique and unsettling experience.

The Power of Silence

One of the most effective sonic tools employed by AHS is the strategic use of silence. Moments of unnerving quiet, punctuated by sudden, sharp noises, effectively heighten tension and create a palpable sense of dread. This manipulation of silence, often preceding a jump scare or a moment of intense horror, keeps the audience on edge, anticipating the next unsettling sound. The silence isn't just the absence of sound; it's a carefully constructed element contributing to the overall unsettling effect.

The Eerie Soundscapes of Specific Seasons

Each season of AHS cultivates its own distinctive sonic identity. For instance, Murder House utilizes unsettling creaks and groans, reflecting the age and haunted nature of the central location. The sound design perfectly complements the decaying aesthetic, creating an auditory experience that mirrors the visual decay. Conversely, Coven, with its focus on witchcraft and magic, incorporates more ethereal sounds, creating a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The use of chanting, spells, and ambient sounds effectively underscores the supernatural elements of the season.

Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic Sound: A Masterclass in Tension

AHS expertly blends diegetic sounds (sounds that exist within the world of the show, such as footsteps or whispers) with non-diegetic sounds (sounds added for effect, like ominous music or sound effects). This interplay is key to manipulating the audience's emotional response. A quiet footstep in an otherwise silent scene—a diegetic sound—can be far more effective than a loud, obvious sound effect. The strategic use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sound creates layers of tension, enriching the viewing experience.

The Role of Music in Amplifying the Horror

Music plays a pivotal role in amplifying the emotional impact of various scenes. The show employs both diegetic and non-diegetic music, strategically placing musical cues to emphasize key moments or heighten the suspense. The music isn't always loud or jarring; sometimes, a subtly unsettling melody in the background can be just as effective in building a sense of unease. The choice of instrumentation and musical style also varies according to the season's theme and atmosphere.

Conclusion: More Than Just Background Noise

In conclusion, the sound design in American Horror Story is far from mere background noise; it's an integral component of the show's storytelling. Through the masterful manipulation of silence, diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, and carefully chosen musical scores, AHS creates a uniquely immersive and unsettling auditory experience that significantly enhances the overall viewing experience, making it a masterclass in the art of sonic storytelling. The "meep" sound, while seemingly simple, exemplifies this: a seemingly insignificant sound, used strategically, contributes to the overall unsettling atmosphere of the show.