Research: Sound- Mr Smith

           Sound

 

 

 What is sound and why is it an important micro element?

 

Sound is everything the audience are able to hear in a movie. Sounds include people talking, sound effects and music. There are two categories of sound in a movie including diegetic sound and non diegetic sound. Sound is an important micro element as it is used to provide a mood for the audience and provide them with information such as the characters in the film, the plot and location. Without sound In a film the audience would not react in the same way and in a thriller film, without sound the audience probably wouldn't feel as scared  and be effected by what goes on. Therefore, sound is essential in films as it creates the tension and suspense for the audience.

 

Refer to all the terms that you have learnt in todays lesson and provide an example from thriller films and explain its use of causing a response from the audience.

 

Sound is split into two categories including diegetic sound and non diegetic sound. Diegetic sound is sound which is part of the film world such as dialogue, music from a radio or jukebox, the sound can be on or off screen . Non diegetic sound is not part of the film world, for example a soundtrack, sound effects and voice overs. Characters are unable to hear non diegetic sound. Other types of sound include on screen sound, off screen sound, parallel sound, and contrapuntal sound.

 

Off screen sound is sound you hear but you cannot see where it is coming from, but makes sense to the film world. Off screen sound is used in this clip from the film 'Insidious' (at 0.34 seconds). It is evident when the characters hear the door knocking twice while the female victim is discussing the weird things that happened earlier that day. It highlights that something negative is going to occur putting the victims lives at risk due to the uneasy atmosphere. The sound is heard however it cannot be seen where it is coming from, therefore suspense is created due to the possible mystery. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they fear for the victims lives and tension is created due to the unknown identity of the antagonist.

 

 

Parallel sound is the sound you hear in a film is what is expected. Parallel sound Is also evident in this clip from the film 'Insidious'  (at 2 minutes 34 seconds) when the baby cries excessively. This is due to the mother screaming after seeing something having an impact on the baby. This symbolises that the threat and panic increases for the victims as the baby's cries adds to the pressure causing a chilling response from the audience. The audience are aware that the antagonist is extremely powerful to be able to get inside the house and they fear for the victims lives as they have no escape.

 

 

 

 

 

Non diegetic sound is not part of the film world. Non diegetic sound is noticeable in this clip from the film 'Jaws' when the victims identify the shark. The soundtrack used accompanied by the theme tune of 'dur dur' creates fear for the audience as they know what the shark is capable of, therefore they are able to  predict what may occur next. This also highlights that the victims lives are at risk as they are in the sharks surroundings. The use of the non diegetic sound creates unpredictability and leave the audience wanting to watch more.

 

 On screen sound is when you can physically see where the sound is coming from. In this clip from the film 'Fast and Furious 6' on screen sound is witnessed when the protagonists are chasing the antagonists in the car. The use of the car sounds are used to create tension and excitement as the audience fear for the protagonists lives due to the fast speed they are travelling at but they are also excited to see if the protagonists are able to catch the antagonists and defeat them. The use of the on screen sound allows the audience to identify what the protagonists are in the car for and what their goal is. The screeching of the cars enables the audience to have clear understanding of what is going on.

 

 

 

 

Diegetic sound is part of the film world and can be heard by the characters. Diegetic sound is heard in this clip from the film 'The Dark knight' (at 1 minute 11 seconds) when the glass is shattered by the antagonists. The use of the glass shattering creates fear for the audience as it is a sign of danger and is hazardous. Therefore, it makes the audience dislike the antagonists as they are aware that the antagonists are going to cause redundant problems making the protagonists life difficult, this makes the audience question the protagonists abilities as to whether he will defeat the antagonists. The diegetic sound creates suspense and tension for the audience as they are unaware of why the antagonists smash the glass and want to watch more in order to find out.

 

 

 

 

Contrapuntal sound is when the sound does not match the expectations of what you are viewing. Contrapuntal sound is discerned in this clip from the film 'Reservoir dogs' when the sadistic psychopath begins dancing to a song while the victim sits in the chair after being assaulted. This is not expected however highlights the antagonists fragmented mind-set as he is clearly psychotic due to his unnatural behaviour. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they fear the antagonist and his capabilities and wait in suspense to see what is going to do to the victim.

 

 

  

Analyse a scene and identify three effective uses of sound

 

 

Diegetic sound is evident in this clip from the film 'The Dark Knight' when the dogs are barking after seeing Batman. This highlights that the dogs see Batman as the enemy and when told to 'get him' by the antagonist they immediately attack Batman and bark loudly. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they fear for Batman's life as they are unsure as to whether the dogs will defeat him leaving him severely injured. The joker watches pleasantly symbolising that he feels animosity towards the protagonist and feels no sympathy. This creates suspense and excitement for the audience.  

 

Furthermore, parallel sound is also used. This is apparent when the joker and batman are fighting and the parallel sound of the kicks, punches and knife sound are heard. This is expected as they are fighting therefore they will do anything in their power to defeat one another. This creates a chilling response from the audience as they are filled with suspense as to who's going to win, However they wait with anticipation as they fear that the stab wounds will affect the protagonist and leave him fighting for his life.

 

Moreover, non diegetic sound is perceived when the soundtrack plays after Batman throws the Joker off the building. The soundtrack emphasises that Batman has yet again defeated the joker after battling in a difficult fight, it symbolises that Batman is more powerful than the Joker and is always able to save the day despite the difficult circumstances he is put into. The audience feel relieved and have faith in Batman as he has proved the audience wrong after looking as if he was being defeated with the dogs and the joker violently assaulting him .



Conclusion- How has your research of sound helped improve your understanding and what types of sound are you planning to use and why?

After researching sound I now have a clearer understanding of what each sound is and how they are used in films fluently. I know that I must use the correct sounds in order to make my thriller sound professional and have the correct effect on the audience. Therefore I have decided to use off screen sound in order to add thrill and excitement to my film and create suspense for the audience. But I also want to use on screen sound when the characters are talking. Non diegetic sound will be used fluently through the use of soundtracks and sound effects in order to create tension for the characters and audience. I want to try using contrapuntal sound in order to make my thriller more exciting and unique, however I intend on making sure it will flow properly and will shock the audience as they will not expect to hear it. Parallel sound will also be used in order to create a chilling response from the audience.I will try to use all the different sounds as they are all conventional to the thriller genre and will make my thriller exciting to watch.