Download - Film Language - sound
We watch a film.
We are movie viewers or spectators.
We call them the movies – moving pictures.
In life, our primary information about the layout of our surroundings comes from
sight.
Sound is often a background for our visual attention.
Therefore, sound is simply an accompaniment to the real basis of
cinema: the moving images.
“The most exciting moment is the moment when I add the sound.. At this moment, I tremble.”
Akira Kurosawa, director
Sound
Learning Objective:To be able to understand how sound can create meaning.
Level Grade Descriptor
2 D/E To be able to identify sound and describe its effect.
3 B/C To be able to analyse sound and explain its effect.
4 A To be able to evaluate sound and justify its effect.
Level Grade Descriptor
2 D/E Basic understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is used to construct representation.
3 B/C Proficient understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is used to construct representation.
4 A Excellent understanding of the way that mise-en-scène is used to construct representation.
Sound Source
DiegeticOriginates from within the film’s
world - Diagesis means story
• Speech• Radio sound• Sound effects – weather,
traffic noises
Non - DiegeticOriginates from outside the film’s
world
• Voice-overs• Background music
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as Character
The opening of Four Weddings and A Funeral uses dialogue
to clearly establish character.
Diegetic
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as Character
The opening establishes a character motif – it is then used to suggest the presence of the shark later in the film.
It is also used to shock the audience when the shark appears and the motif is absent.
Non -Diegetic
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as Setting and Tone
The opening of Once Upon A Time in The west uses diegetic sound effects to establish both the setting and the tone of the film.
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as ToneTo understand how sound can create meaning.
Internal Diegetic Sound
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as NarrativeA voice over can establish not only character but also sets up the narrative. It can go on to provide third person information
for the audience to drive the narrative forward.
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound as NarrativeMusic can also provide cues as to the narrative, with lyrics
echoing the situation of the characters.
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Sound BridgeA sound bridge occurs when either a diegetic or a non-diegetic element of sound is carried from one scene, over an edit, into the next scene. Sound bridges can lead in or out of a scene.
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Off-screen SoundOff-screen sound occurs outside of the frame and can create
tension or create an expectation in the audience.
To understand how sound can create meaning.
Contrapuntal SoundWhen the sound we hear compliments the image, it is called
parallel sound. This is the expected form for most films. However, when the sound contradicts the image, this is called
contrapuntal and can be used to great effect.
To understand how sound can create meaning.