Sound

Sound

The difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds

   Sound has existed in film since 1927

   Sound is used conventionally to create a more involving and believable narrative

   Diegetic: it exists within the world of the film. Ultimately the characters can hear that sound. Diegetic sound can be sub divided into – dialogue – sound effects – ambient sound

   Non-diegetic: it emerges from outside the world of the film. The characters in the film cant hear this sound. Added to support the mood and atmosphere. Non diegetic music is usually used to support what’s going on in the narrative although sometimes non diegetic sound is used which contrasts the images (contrapuntal)

   Synchronous sound is caused by some event on screen so that the sound matches the action

   Asynchronous is sound that is separate from the visuals, such as a voiceover or dialogue from another scene

   A sound bridge connects two scenes and carry’s on from one into the other

   This can start of diegetic and become non-diegetic or start non-diegetic and become diegetic

4 most important areas that can be generated through sound is through the

   Character/James bond

   Genre/horror

   Setting/period drama

   Narrative/action sequences

Sound and film analysis

Sound and … can establish

Character	Genre
Evil or good         Victim or hero          Characters regularly have a piece of music called a character theme      Can establish status      You know there coming when you here the theme tune even though not on screen      Aural motifs (not music but repeated sounds)      A characters nervous state of mind could be conveyed through non-diegetic sound	Sound can let the audience know the genre (type of film there watching)      Action gun shots      Horror screams      Composers can be associated with a genre