Oliver Turner AS MEDIA: Sound

Diagetic Sound:
Diagetic sound is the sound that is heard by both the viewer and the actor on-screen. It is the sound that the actors can respond to and interactive with. A good example of this is through dialogue where characters talk to one another  through conversation or monologue form and exhibit knowledge of what each other are saying. This type of sound is also constructed of ambient sound which is sound that is heard in the background but the actors can still hear (this sound can be later edited over the top of the video and can be manipulated to appear quieter or more subdued than the main sound). For example, the sound of footsteps or the wind.

Non-Diagetic sound:
This is the sound that the actors cannot hear but the audience can. The actors cannot acknowledge this sound as to ensure the plot keeps continuity. Non diagetic sound most commonly takes form as either music or narration which can help progress the story or scene somewhat but also highlight crucial parts. Music is typical of this, almost telling the audience what to think before allowing us to  make our own judgement based upon the actors themselves.  It is also used for effect as to keep the flow of the story going and prevent any silence which could potentially put-off the audience especially on TV programmes. Narration can also be used as to help give an insight as to what characters might be feeling and can make the entire scene more believable and less obscure against what is actually going on. It could be used for comical effect too and also guide the plot somewhat by hinting on certain things which could develop the story somewhat.

Both these sound types can actually be used together as way of making the scene more interesting and appealing to watch. This is seen frequently in opening  titles of films where the starting music is played to introduce the titles scene but is then carried on for a few more minutes alongside the video where characters are talking. The non-diagetic sound is often played quieter than the dialogue as to not distract from potentially important storyline.

Examples:

Comedy:



The sound we here in the opening titles of The inbetweeners is completely non -diagetic sound where the music is being played alongside the title animation. This is really effective as the sound is rather catchy and recognisable which means people are more inclined to watch the programme. The music is also light-hearted and seemingly comical which is used to hint to the audience what the style of programme is going to be like.


Horror:




At the beginning of the clip there is this rather classical but rather eerie soundtrack that is played over the footage. This sound is non-diegetic as the characters on screen do not react to the music at all;it is just used for effect. in addition, as the clip progresses, the music gradually becomes louder which signifies that something is about to happen.

Hunger film clip analysis:

what sounds do you hear? Note the effects of this:

• Footsteps
• Doors banging/swinging
• Heavy Breathing
• Dialogue - Half way through clip

What is the effect of the silence?
The effect of the silence is that it immerses the viewer within the clip to allow us to concentrate more on what's going on. It also adds a severe suspense to the entire scene; making it a lot more serious and dramatic. The silence also suggests that the setting of the prison is far away from any form of civilisation which reinforces the idea that the main character is slowly dying in his own world, far away from anyone else. This is extremely emotional and only urges the audience to watch on.

How do the sound of the birds + the sound of breathing relate to the content?

Describe the music and it's effect?
The music is only gradually heard towards the final scenes of the clip when the flashback happens. This music is seemingly eerie and dark. It is almost drone like and harrowing making it ideal for the genre of film which is quite dark itself. Towards the death scene there is little music as to not distract from what's actually happening.

How does the recurring sound of the birds and music relate to the content?
The recurring sound of the birds and music give us a constant reminder of the loneliness and rather sterile atmosphere of the film. The sound of the birds work in conjunction with the music, almost symbiotically working to develop a stronger emotion and engagement with the audience.  The birds are also a signal that there is potential life and the capability to be free like a bird but this is clearly just dramatic effect and one that broadens the inevitable idea that this main character will die.



Sound in openings of genre films. For each selection decide:

Selection 1
Genre: Horror

• Dark, dramatic, tense                                              
• Fluctuates between loud and quiet tones
• Sharp and abrupt tones that catch our attention  
• Repetition - reflective of film genre?
• Effectively building/telling us emotions
• changes tempo frequently to build tension
• Starts and stops
• Use of sound effects and computer aided technology to create unnatural sounds

Selection 2
Genre: Action/Western

• Classical
• slow and fast tempo
• abstract rendition
• High pitched climax's
• Associates with western countries  
• Use of simple instruments-not too complicated but still effective

Selection 3
Genre: Sci-fi

• Very instrumental
• Rather adventurous and varying between tones
• Loud and subtle background sounds that pay repetitively
• Deep
• Mysterious and outer space like - immerses the audience within film

All three of the genres have extremely different tones and sounds that are accustomed and tailored to their target audience. The use of music is very important in catching the audience's attention and also telling us what a film is about from the outset. Some of these genres are developed using computer aided technology to create these rather interesting and abstract sounds, horror is a good example of a genre that does this. Other genres like action or sci-fi use more instrumental or classical instruments to create a certain sound. This is good for creating classical sounds that can then be played back by orchestras (this happens when film companies turn their film into theatrical productions to gain more money and so in turn will need instrumental music played by an orchestra).