The Arts

Building blocks of suspense: subjective and physiological effects of narrative content and film music

G. Bente, K. Kryston, et al.

This intriguing study by Gary Bente and colleagues explores how narrative content and non-diegetic music work together to build suspense in film. By analyzing physiological responses and self-reported suspense levels across different viewing conditions, they reveal unexpected findings on the power of music alone to create tension. Discover the fascinating dynamics of suspense generation!

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Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay of narrative content and non-diegetic music in creating film suspense. Three groups watched a suspenseful short film: one with audio-video, one video-only, and one audio-only. Continuous response measurement (CRM) and psychophysiological measures (heart rate, pulse volume amplitude, skin conductance level) were used. Results showed a dissociation between self-reported suspense and physiological measures. Tense music alone induced suspense, even without narrative clues. The audio-only version elicited highest arousal, while the video-only version showed the lowest. Heart rate deceleration responded to salient narrative clues, suggesting heightened attention.

Publisher

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

Published On

Dec 11, 2022

Authors

Gary Bente, Kevin Kryston, Nolan T. Jahn, Ralf Schmälzle

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