Sound (Micro Element)

Micro Feature - Sound

 

The terminology and techniques used to describe sound on film are:

 

- Diegetic - the sounds that come from the world of the film i.e. what the characters can hear.

- Non-diegetic - refers to sound outside of the world of the film i.e. what the characters can't hear.

- On screen sound - the audience can see the source of the sound.

- Off screen sound - the audience can't see the source of the sound (enables extension of diegetic world).

- Parallel - the sound matches the actions on screen.

- Contrapuntal - sound that doesn't match the action (e.g. beach scene in 'Jaws' - happy scene with ominous music - gives the audience a clue as to what happens next).

- Sound bridge - helps create a smooth transition from one scene to another - creates a connection.

 

- Music is used to create a mood for the scene.

- Silence is used to intensify anticipation.