Top Five Horror Movie Themes

Josh’s Top Five Horror Movie Themes

By: Josh Welsh

As a horror movie film buff, I’ve seen movies where the music is quite haunting and have made an impression on me. In this post, I will be giving my personal top five favourite horror movie theme songs (from least favourite to most favourite).

#5:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Composed by Charles Bernstein, it’s damn creepy. The movie that quotes “One, two, Freddy’s coming for you!”, this film also introduced a young Johnny Depp as Nancy’s boyfriend. You can listen to it here.

#4:

Friday the 13^th (1980)

Jason’s theme. The killer in the hockey mask. One of my favourites, known for the  “chhhchhh haaa haaaaha”.

#3:

Saw (2004-2010)

The theme for the Saw franchise is a mix of rock and pop? Either way, it’s a pretty solid theme that plays as John Kramer says in an effective last line, “Game over.”

#2:

The Shining (1980)

Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind composed the theme for The Shining and is it ever haunting. The theme contains samples of the Gregorian chant “Dies Irae”, which you can compare to here.

Before unveiling my #1, honorable mentions go to:

                                                                    The Exorcist (1973) and  Psycho (1960).

And my top pick is…

#1:

 Halloween (1978-2018)

John Carpenter’s Halloween has been going strong since its debut in 1978. It also recently spawned a sequel where Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her role from 40 years ago as Laurie Strode. In my opinion, the theme for this one is most memorable and catchy. Have a listen.

Do you agree with my list? Did I miss any of your favourite horror themes? What other ones should be included on here? Let me know!

First snow of the season

Coming from a city that barely touched 11°C in winters was a big change for me. Seeing snowfall for the first time was so exciting. I had seen snow back in India but experiencing snow falling from the sky was eye-popping for a person like me. However, from what I remember, snow in India was very different than snow in Canada.  When I searched about it, I came to know that there are actually various types of snow.

What I noticed was that snow in India was more ice and less water. It was not soft at all. When I used to watch Hollywood movies that had snow in them, I always used to get fascinated by the idea of living somewhere where it snowed. But whenever I used to go anywhere that had snow in India, I never used to enjoy it. I used to see little kids make snowballs and have snowball fights with their siblings or loved ones in the movies. 

When I tried to make a snowball in India, it did not end so well. From what I remember, I was not able to make a perfect round snowball like they did in the movies, but oh well, what did I know then? So I threw the hard as rock so-called-snowball at my big brother and let’s just say it did not end very well for me or my brother. My brother hurt himself and I got into trouble.  

Tried making a snow angel again at the age of 7.

I'd also see people make perfect snow angels in the movies but when I tried it as a kid, I failed miserably. The spot looked more like a giant foot’s footprint than a snow angel. And about making a snowman, it was almost impossible to make a snowman in that kind of a snow. Strange, Isn’t it? 

  

That is me trying to make a snow angel at the age of 6.

When I saw  snow here, I thought it’d be the same. But I couldn’t be more wrong, the snow here is so soft. I was finally able to make a perfect snowman and was able to have a snowball fight with my cousins. I also realized that snow angels are actually possible.  

If you guys ever visit India, I’d recommend you to go to Rohtang Pass and experience a different kind of snow. Rohtang is a very fun tourist place in India and there are various kinds of snow activities that you can do. 

 

If you wanna know more about my experience of the snow in India, I did post my childhood pictures when I joined Facebook, you could check them out on my Facebook page.

Self-Care is your FRIEND, not foe

 With only a month until exams, it’s no wonder that students are becoming burnt out! I know that I am. Here’s a reminder that self care is what makes the world keep turning during this tough time!

I know that it can be difficult to find time to take care during the school week with deadlines and work to weigh you down AND it’s important to make time so that your mental health doesn’t take too large of a hit.

Does your school have a counselling service? It can be helpful to have someone to talk to with an unbiased side. Friends can help too however they might have enough on their plate right now. Don’t fret! It’s okay to not be okay.

Here are some examples of things that help me to self care:

·      Journaling (both writing and art)

·      Taking a shower/bath

·      Eating a hot meal

·      Call a friend or family member

·      Meditation

·      Watch a cute/funny YouTube video

·      Read a book leisurely!

Give yourself a pat on the back for the small victories of your everyday life during this time! Taking showers and going out to school take a lot of energy and I don’t think we give ourselves enough credit for those things. Keep your chin up! It does get easier.

Winter break is right around the corner AND we still have to make it through exams season.