The so-called "jump scare" is one of the most common elements in horror movies - and is where all the tension that has been built up, breaks. You've seen it when the character bends down over a sink, and when they stand straight up, we see a figure in the mirror. Depending on the genre, the character will either then turn around quickly and see that the figure is gone, or be brutally murdered right there.
This is of course an example, and there are many ways a jump scare can manifest. However it appears, it is meant to be a shocking sight, and also completely unexpected. This is achieved by building tension, or as I referred to it previously, raising the anxiety levels of the audience.
The Magic
As Bryan points out, the jump scare needs three distinct phases to be successful: the rising tensions, the relief, and the scare. In the graph above, we see that as the tension increases, it reaches a point where having a monster pop out of the darkness will successfully scare the participant, instead of leaving them simply puzzled. (Participant Scarable line) Raise the tension more, and the participant will begin to suspect that the scare is just behind that door... and this is the crucial part: there is nothing behind the door. The tension is relieved, and that's the point in which the jump scare can really terrify you. It elevates the scare from a "cheap scare" to a well executed trick, that leaves the participant saying "I did not see that coming!".
The "jump scare" is exactly why I avoid horror and suspense films. I do not enjoy that feeling. I wonder why some folks seek out that scare while I avoid it like the plague!
ReplyDeleteExcellent question, and one I aim to answer! I will do a post in the next couple of weeks that tries to identify why some people love the scares, and others have your reaction. (One that is oh so common)
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