Lewton Bus

 "Lewton Bus,” is a technique named after legendary horror film producer, Val Lewton. The Lewton Bus is a scene that slowly builds tension and then gives the viewer an unexpected jolt with something that turns out to be completely harmless. The Lewton Bus was first used in Cat People (1942) in the scene where Irena is following Alice; the viewer expects Irena to turn into a panther and attack Alice. As the camera focuses on Alice the viewer hears what sounds like a hissing panther—but it turns out to be a bus pulling up. The "Lewton Bus”,   is a technique that is still used in horror films today especially slasher films such as the Friday the 13^th and the Halloween series films.