@The_Compassionate_Heretic I like the idea of moving away from cliches (Tarantino’s “Stuck in the Middle with you” for the Reservoir dogs ear-cutting scene is classic!).
Unfortunately I think that horror films are a lot about cliches. In the Tarantino example above (and also in the end of “Four Rooms”) the music adds a comic element to what would have essentially been a violent scene. Not sure what music would work similarly for what Anatelostaxus wants.
I’d certainly have to see the movie first, I think that would be the greatest source of inspiration. And discuss with the director about what he wants. I’d try to follow his idea and put that into practise, rather than make my own interpretation of the mood in every scene.
I’m currently writing music for a theatrical play and I follow the director’s ideas, even though I disagree with some of them (and told him so, and persuaded him to change the music altogether in some scenes). Luckily for me, he listens. Luckily for him, I do not doubt his authority and let him have the final call. I’ve even persuaded him to let me change the central theme (though I haven’t come up with an alternative yet).