P1: TITLE - UNDERSTANDING HOW SOUND ELEMENTS ARE USED
Use of sound in film.
The main components of sound in film are: Dialogue- Speaking and noises made by the actors (diegetic) heard by the chracters in the scene Sound effects- The sounds of the surroundings and events that happen in the environment (diegetic) Music- The music to film is called score and it's the backing music in a film to add to the mood.
An example of use of sound in film: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Dobby's death scene
digetic, non digetic, dialogue, sound effects, music, atmosphere , mood, portray a feeling , conventions, educate, atmospheric sounds, silence, wild track, convey location, no dialogue, enhance characterisation, connotations, effect on audience, locations
Describe how all the sound elements within your chosen example were used
Dialogue: Dialogue was used in na variety of ways throughout the scene to great effect. For example, dialogue is particuly effective when looking at the characters Bellatrix and dobby.
For the character Bellatrix there is one line in particular that enhance her characterisation especially and they are:
" Stupid elf! You could have killed me?! " - This enhances her characterisation because the line is yelled So via the tone of the delivery the audience can tell she is a hot headed angry character. In addition to the this the first part to this derogatory as she calls Dobby a "Stupid elf!". Dobby is a beloved character by the audience and the audience knows that Dobby is just trying to aid the protagonists, therefore this part of the line evokes a strong emotional response from the audience. The audience feels protective and care for Dobby as they have seen his back story and followed his character development from slave to free and know that he is cleverly trying to help reinforcing this element of sides and good vs Bad and Bellatrix being bad. Furthermore it also gives the audience an insight to her beliefs on status and power as she addresses him as "Elf" not by his name (even though it is obvious that she must have known it at some point) and most likely choses to address him as such because of her superiority beliefs.
Furthermore, the next half of the line, "You could have killed me?!", again enhances her characterisation as it represents how uncompassionate and unnururturing the character is as not only could Hermione have been killed to but also she had family members in the room (who couldv'e been killed or injured) , so the script implied that she placed herself of higher importance than the rest of the family.
In addition to this the line also is there in the script as a pointer to the viewer and to highlight the danger of the environment, whilst elevating the tense atmosphere as it is obvious that the chandelier could have killed Bellatrix, both audience and characters are of a mutual understanding- so the line is not technically need, however it is yelled to increase the tension of the scene.
The line could also be seen as an element of foreshadowing in the script. As Dobby then is killed by Bellatrix and the way in which it is done is non magical (a knife) like the chandelier was non-magical.
Sound Effects: Sound effects was a key element to this scene because they were important to creating atmosphere and directing the viewer on what to think.
A particularly effective moment for the used of sound effects was from 1:03- 1:20. These are the first shots of the beach part of the scene, the sound effects in these 17 seconds are: magic apparition SFX, seagulls, thunder, the sea background noice, harsh breaths and steps.
Magic Apparition SFX These sound effects are important because they guide the audience to understanding the scene as the sound indicates magic and helps immerse the audience in the magical world as these sounds of magic don't exist in the real world. Seagulls SFX The seagulls sound effects are useful because they help convey location to the audience as the sounds of seagulls are instantly associated with the beach and sea.
Thunder SFX The thunder sound effect is important as it too sets the location and mood of the scene as stormy. It is also important because it signals that the "storm" of the previous location is not quite over and is on going, as thunder tends to come after lightening and towards the end of the storm, and this is foreshadowing of Dobby's death.
Sea SFX The sea sound effects is is wild track for the scene and it again helps to instantly convey location and also changes the pace of the scene from the high intense action of the previous to the calm of the sea rolling in and out.
Harsh breaths ADR breaths of harry in the scene are effective because they educate the audience that Harry survived the last part of the scene. In addition they increase the intensity of the scene as emphasised breath indicates to the audience that no time has passed.
Steps The step sound has been recorded as foli and placed into the scene. There is big emphasis that the steps are heavy and uneven, causing the audience to realise the characters are perhaps lucky to be alive after their last struggle and are now a little disorientated and rushed to check on everyone.
Music: The score is integral to this scene as is it is a way of guiding the audience in how to feel and incresing and highlighting the depth of emotion behind/during a scene.
A real Key point in score of this scene is at 2:44 It is here in the score that the audience hears a really faint repetition of the first phrase of Hedwigs theme (the most famous score from Harry Potter). This is important because traditionally Hedwigs theme is a symbol of hope, help and bravery- It is also played the most times in the first 3 films (when the characters were very young). However , the theme is faintly playing the background of a death scene of a beloved character and the musical phrase is not completed, symbolising to the audience the ending of childlike innocence and now the main three characters are truly going to have to get by without help or being saved. Furthermore, Dobby is a symbol of hope and that things can change for the better as he is a "Free elf" in the wizarding world and his death like the phrasing symbolises the fading of hope for a better world and the reality of the world the characters face.
The Use of Sound in TV programmes
An example of use of sound in Tv: Wynnona Earp season 1 : Ep 13 The Death of Bobo Del Ray
Music
The Music is particularly important because it guides the audience as to the pace of the scene and the mood and feel of different parts of the scene. For example, the beginning part of the scene is very quiet and delicate and the and the delicate nature of the music emphasises the emotional intensity of the scene and also adds an extra layer of emotion and sympathy for the audience because the music causes us to feel sorrow for the character Bobo even though he was antagonist for a majority of the season
Dialogue
The dialogue to this scene is important and is particularly effective in portraying a feeling of despair and loss in the character Bobo especially through the line "Do it. I'm already in hell" as even though as a supporter of the protagonist the audience doesn't want Bobo to have what he wanted, now that he has lost it the audience feels sympathy in his desperation and realise the depth of the characters emotion and love, that he begs to not be alive without it as being without it is his own personal hell. The line is key to giving the audience a layered insight to the character and how best they can perhaps sympathise or empathise with him, only to take that connection away with his death.
SFX
The most prominent sound effect by far is the Gun shot at the end. This is because it is a sign of character development and growth for Wynonna Earp. As even though her and Bobo were enemys, she takes pity and sympathises with him enough to give him a shorter more painless death than letting him suffer, something she wouldn't have done at the begining of the season. It is an act that showcases Wynonna's maturity and growth over the season and also marks then end of a battle between the two of them, that is why the SFX is so loud and emphasised.
TV Adverts
John Lewis christmas advert 2013
Dialogue There is no dialogue in this advert and this important because it's divergant from most adverts and causes the audience to focus more on the story and images because they can not get the information of the advert from just listening.
Music: The music in this advert is key in terms of helping carry and convey the emotion of the advert. The Song is aslo recognisable and very compelling, which makes the advert memorable and the artist who sang it is famous therefor drawing a bigger crowd to the advert.
Sound effects: The Sound effects in this are atmosperic sound effects, such as wind or birds chirping, this is effective because it helps convey location of country side and the woods. In addition to this it also makes the creates a natural innocent feel to the advert as it isnt spoiled by technology.
The Use of Sound in Animation
In a Heartbeat
Music- The Music in a heartbeat is integral to the animation as it is a key element in understanding how the main character feels. For example, the tempo is a lot faster and when the main character is paniced or nervous but playful for when his heart takes over. However, the music is stripped back and slower when the character is feeling sad or lonely.
Dialogue- There is no dialogue in this animation. This is to help the audience to focus more on the video to they recieve and realise the message of the video themselves instead of being told it.
SFX- The SFX enhance the video really well as they sympathise the emotion and perspectives of the characters. For example, the heart has a really bubbly and excitable high pitched voice and the sounds he makes reflect this and this emphasises this whole fun loving side that the main character is having to hide because he is afraid of coming out. These noises are sweet and happy and cute in a way the audience find endearing not annoying which is a reinforcement on the videos message.
Use of sound in Radio/Audio Drama
Dr Who- The resurrection casket
Dialogue- The dialogue is the only real feature in the audio book. It is very important as it alone has to transport you to another world without the aid of music or SFX. That is why the characterisation is so important in this as each phrasing has to convey the characters personality and so does the way it is read. For example Rose has the line "Sort of whirly stuff" at 04:02. Which signals the characters lack of knowledge and inexperience in time machines, in addition to this David Tennant a youth London street accent- which gives you a clear incite into where her character is from and an indication into her class.
Music- There is the Dr who theme tune played at the begining of the audionbook as reminder or segway into the world of Dr who from everyday life to the audio book but apart from that there is no music.
Use of sound in Video Games
Super Mario Bros
Dialogue- In terms of Dialogue there is nothing but a few repeated character phrases like "Let's-a go" or "HIYA" so the dialogue is just for characterisation and to empahsise his stereotypical italian accent and the characters enthusiasm and determination.
Music- The music in Mario is improtant because it indicates the level and intensity of what part of the game you are playing, For example when mario battles the big Bowser and peach the music is faster and more intense. The music is also styled and recognisable for being a Mario theme, so its for branding and game identification.
SFX-
The Sound effects to super Mario bros are really important for the audience to understand fully and recognise whats going on because the sound effects are consistent across all of the game so indicate to the audience what is going and tell them if they have a power up or hit something or often indicate what type of challenge or character they face before they are seen on screen.