> I really find it amazing how effectively silence creates a creepy feeling. I'm wondering if it's something inherent in silence or if movies are just so loud normally that it's surprising when they're quiet. Overbearing soundtracks bug me especially in thrillers and horror movies; if you watch enough horror movies you can tell what's going to happen just by picking up on the musical cues. Hitchcock made "The Birds" without any sort of musical score and it stands as one of the best thrillers ever made. I've seen that movie half-a-dozen times and have never once wished there was some blaring music from off-camera.
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> Does anyone else have any particular favorite silent scenes in movies? Why? What is it that makes silence so effective?
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> Ste "And if anyone dislikes silence in movies, I'd be interested in hearing from them" phen

Silence can really help movies, especially with tension, fear and awkwardness. One movie that I felt was really brought down by its loud, blaring score is "The Shining." I mean, they're in a big, empty hotel! What could be a better place for eerie silence? Still, that movie is full of blaring, atonal music as the director hits you on the head over and over again with the "Boy, this sure is creepy" sledgehammer. Maybe it's to simulate the feeling of growing violent insanity, but I still say it is overused.

Admittedly, it's been a while since I've watched the movie, and there may be some good moments of silence I'm forgeting. Does anyone want to contradict me on this film? Are there any other films that were hurt by the noisiness of their soundtracks?

10"It's no wonder he went crazy"Kan