definitions and use of sound in film

1. Sound alters the way that we
interpret the text:
We read the visual image in
relation to what we hear
Listen carefully………………

2. This is the sound heard by the characters within the
film world (diegesis)
•Ambient sound
(background noises -they create atmosphere )
e.g. footsteps, traffic, birds, wind, voices, machinery etc
•Dialogue (conversation or character speaking aloud)
•Sound effects (synchronised to the action)
e.g. gun firing, door slamming, car screeching etc…
•Music (within the film world)
e.g. playing on a CD player, TV set, band etc…

3. This is the sound heard by the audience but not
and not by the characters
•Sound Track (music played to create atmosphere for the
viewer)
•Narration / Voice over (voice added to give information
to the viewer – may be the character’s thoughts heard
only by the audience)
•Sound effects (additional sounds that help create the
atmosphere / build tension for the viewer)

4. This can be a conversation between characters
or a direct address to the audience
We can learn a lot from what is said – how a
character speaks to another for example (tone of
voice as well as what they say)
-Why is the following voice over necessary for the
audience viewing?
“Life on Mars” – Sam Tyler –Title Sequence
http://estream.reigate.ac.uk/View.aspx?ID=1417&cID=253&f
rom=search

5. This can add atmosphere and enhance the viewing for the
audience. A thriller for example might have music that builds
tension and suspense
Watch how the music is used in this sequence –
when we see the car and then when we are
introduced to the characters -
“Ashes to Ashes” – To the rescue 1980s
http://estream.reigate.ac.uk/View.aspx?ID=3969&cID=600&
from=search

6. Or asynchronous sound is when what is heard
does not match the visuals seen
Watch the visuals without the sound / listen to
the sound without the visuals how does it affect
the viewing when put together?
“Face Off”
http://estream.reigate.ac.uk/View.aspx?ID=2349&cID=592&f
rom=search

7. Or asynchronous sound is when what is heard
does not match the visuals seen
Synchronous when the sound is “in synch” with
the visuals e.g. when the dialogue matches the
speaker
“Hitchcock” example of asynchronous sound of
train at the end of the clip when we see the
woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhp5SpTxQw8&list=PL77
3E2ABC56B3764B&index=9

8. A sound bridge is where the sound / music
carries on into the next scene
•Note where the music becomes diegetic / non-diegetic?
•When is it parallel or contrapuntal?
•See how it creates a sound bridge
“Se7en”
http://estream.reigate.ac.uk/View.aspx?ID=1348&cID=593&f
rom=search

9.  How
might you describe music?
Dark, foreboding, ominous, deep, low, heavy,
Threatening, menacing, melancholy, slow,
Orchestral, single instrument, bright, light,
High, cheery, sad, choral, angelic, heavenly,
Excitable, bubbly, fast paced, staccato,
Erratic, thunderous, crescendo, builds,
Develops, changes, loud, quiet, soft . . .