Architectures of fear: atmosphere and Stimmung in horror cinema

Abstract

This article examines the role of the categories of atmosphere and Stimmung in shaping the experience of horror in cinema. It adopts a conceptual approach that distinguishes atmosphere as a diffuse quality of the filmic space and Stimmung as an existential disposition that connects the audience and the film. Horror is thus understood as an aesthetic genre that depends on the creation of climates of fear and repulsion. The analysis combines a conceptual overview with the examination of scenes from historical and contemporary films, showing how material element – lighting, color, sound, editing, and set design – used to produce immaterial experiences. The article argues that horror works mainly through the construction of atmospheres that engage the viewer’s senses. It concludes that the effectiveness of the genre lies in its ability to turn formal elements into affective dispositions, making the experience of fear not only visible but, above all, sensible.