Research: Sound - Mrs. Quinlan

 The use of sound is very significant for thriller movies as it helps create tension within the scene and helps the audience interact with the film as the sound indicates what is about to happen in the scene. Also it helps the audience to have a further understanding of the genre of the movie. Sound creates more meaning about the character and their emotions. Likewise, sound earns the audiences reaction towards the movie as it emotionally attaches them to the situation occurring in the film. Most movies include sound in their opening credits which helps the audience indicate the genre of the movie they are watching

There are different types of sounds:

Diegetic sound- Is sound which is a part of the film world that the characters are able to hear as well as the viewers. For example, dialogue, music from a radio or a jukebox are all examples of Diegetic sound. The sound can be on or off screen.

                                                                  Psycho (1960)

This is an example of 'Diegetic sound.' This is because she is able to hear her internal thoughts and it is apart of the film world. However, the orchestra playing at the back is an example of 'Non-diegetic' sound as the character can not hear it, and it is put in there to connote danger and help the audience infer that she is never too far from danger. As well as the audience the sound makes sense to the spectators in the movie.


Non-diegetic sound- Is sound which is not a part of the film world. A sound track, sound effects or voice overs are all some examples of non-diegetic sound. Non-Diegetic sounds are ones that are put in after the filming and the characters in the movie are unable to hear them.

The Shining (1980)

Throughout the scene in 'The Shining', non-diegetic sound is used. The soundtrack creates fear and tension within the audience as they are anxious and curious of what the antagonist is going to do next.
As the non-diegetic sound constantly plays over the scene, it intensifies the scene as when the character has reached the door, the tempo and beat of the soundtrack increases; which again puts audience on the edge of their seats.

A play or film which uses diegetic and non-diegetic sound can be used to create ambiguity( horror, thriller) or comedy as it surprises the audience.
                     

 On screen sound- Is when the viewer can see where the sound is coming from in the movie, for instance a radio, or a car screeching.

Off screen sound- Is when you can hear the sound but can’t see where its coming from, but it makes sense to the film(traffic sound, coughing)

Parallel sound- Is when the sound you hear in the film is what is expected e.g. children playing on
the beach would be laughter, or in the movie fight club, the chanting and shouting in the background.

                                                                  Snatch (2000)

The background sound of people chanting and shouting in snatch that starts at 1:00 is an example of Parallel sound. The sound is expected as there is a visible rowdy crowd in the scene. The crowd chanting increases the excitement and heightens the tension of the scene. This clip also includes other examples of sound. Non-diegetic sound is used at the begging of the scene which helps the audiences mood to immediately change and become awakened by the scene. Moreover, there is also use of on screen sound as the audience is able to see where the sound of the crowd is coming from.

Contrapuntal sound- Is sounds that doesn't  easily match the images they are accompanying, or even run against them. This can have quite a disorienting effect upon the audience as it may cause them to question what they are seeing.

                                                                   Face off (1997)

Face off starring Nicholas Cage and John Travolta is a perfect example of contrapuntal sound. This is because the sound used in the scene juxtaposes the fight scene. Audience expectations of a fight scene would be harsh sounding non-diegetic sound tracks and parallel gun shots. However in this case, a soft classic of 'over the rainbow' is played which softens the scene and decreases the audiences adrenaline

Sound is important to use in films as it creates tension and the mood of the audience. For instance, in thriller films sound is extremely important as it manipulates the audience into believing there is something scary in every aspect a certain sound is heard(i.e. a humming sound or rustling of leaves). This research has been useful as now I know the conventional thriller soundings that appeal to the audience that I can use for my thriller opening scene.

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