Reasearch- Sound - LSH

Sound in films

Sounds are one of the most important features in films. Sounds are used to represent understandin for the audience and to create more meaning about the character and their emotions. Thrillers would have sounds and soundtracks to allow its audience to feel what is happening in the scene and it create a response from the audience. 

Diegetic sound - these are sounds which are a part of the film, examples include the following; radio and jukebox. The sound can be on or off screen. The sound that we hear doesnt have to appear on the screen it could be someone speaking or laughter. Whatever we hear as the audience it allows us to know what is going on in the scene.

Non-diegetic sound - These are sound which are not part of the film and it is added on afterwards examples include the following; soundtrack, sound effects and voice overs.  Usually these sounds are added after the film is taken and added on to make specific scences more effective. Voice overs are one example of non-diegetic sounds and these can be a way to explain events and this can make the scene easier to follow and understand or even make some scenes more scary with the voice tone used.  

On screen sound- You can see where the sound is coming from examples include; radio and car. On screen sounds help the audience what is happening as the audience can see where the sounds are exactly coming from. 

Off screen sound - You can hear sounds but you cannot see where it is coming from. Examples include traffic sounds and coughing. For example a basketball game and as the audience you can hear people cheering and shouting.

Parallel sound- is when the sound you hear in a film is what is expected. For example, a scene with children playing on a beach the parallel sounds would be laughter, talking and the sea.  

Contrapuntal sound- is when the sound does not match the expectations of what you are viewing an example of this is Jaws, theme song "dur dur dur", this sound does not match with the happy images which confuses the audience and also builds up tension and suspense for the audience.