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Sound lesson 1
The document discusses the history and development of sound in film from the early silent films to the introduction of synchronized sound in 1927's The Jazz Singer, noting key terms like diegetic and non-diegetic sounds and analyzing how sounds are used in films like The Godfather and Boogie Nights to build tension and reflect a character's emotions.
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Discussion on how sound enhances film; task to list sounds in a busy scene as a collaborative exercise.
Overview of the transition from silent films to talkies, defining diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.
Identification of various sound forms in film, including sound effects, OST, and differentiation between diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.
Analytical tasks on diegetic and non-diegetic elements using excerpts from ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Boogie Nights’.
Significance of silence in film, evaluating its atmospheric impact compared to sound; task for analysis of 'I Am Legend'.
Introduction to how non-diegetic sound can contrast with visuals, with examples for note-taking and analysis.
Discussion on character themes in scoring films, their role in storytelling; includes an interactive quiz.
Quizzes on character themes and shot types in film for reinforcing knowledge through engagement.
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Sound lesson 1
- 2. Starter Task When watchingfilms we generally take the sound for granted and assume it is a natural part of the film However every single sound has been carefully chosen / created, edited and placed in the film for very specific reasons Task: Imagine a busy New York Street scene You must list all of the sounds you would expect to hear in a scene like this Use the whiteboards to mind map your ideas and then present them to the class
- 3. Learning Objectives Identify howsilent cinema became ‘talkies’ Introduce Key terms: Non-Diegetic Diegetic Evaluate the use of sound in: The Godfather Boogie Nights
- 4. History of soundin film Cinema has a longer history with sound than many of us realise. The first film was created by Louis Le Prince in 1888. He shot moving pictures on a paper film using a single lens camera The film consisted of people walking across a bridge in Leeds The period stretching from the start of cinema in the mid 1890’s to 1927 has come to be known as the silent cinema era George Melies – The Haunted Caster (1896)
- 5. History of soundin film Filmmakers had attempted to marry sound and image together the earliest days of cinema From the inception of motion pictures, various inventors attempted to unite sight and sound through "talking" motion pictures. The Edison Company is known to have experimented with this as early as the fall of 1894 with a film known today as ‘Dickson Experimental Sound Film’. The film shows a man, who may possibly be Dickson, playing violin before a phonograph horn as two men dance
- 6. History of soundin film The term ‘silent cinema’ is mis-leading to modern audiences as early cinema was anything but silent Live music accompanied films from early on A Hammond organ or piano would be played by a pianist live in the auditorium to accompany the film Watch Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last and consider how the inclusion of a piano track adds to the overall impact of the short
- 7. History of soundin film In 1927 the second major revolution in cinematic technology took place The first ‘talkie’ was released ‘The Jazz Singer’ was the first feature length motion picture with synchronised dialogue sequences. It marks the beginning of the ‘talkie’ and the decline of silent cinema. Ever since cinema sound has developed and become an integral part of cinema and filmmaking
- 8. Sounds in film Inyour note pads write down the different forms of you cinema sound you can think of Sound effects Official Soundtrack (OST) Dialogue On screen noise – cars, doors slamming shut etc Foley
- 10. Sounds in film Thoughwe may think of film as a visual experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of sound A meaningful soundtrack is often as complicated as the image on screen. The entire soundtrack is comprised of three essential parts The Human Voice Sound effects Music Each of these elements can be recorded during the shooting of a film or added afterwards
- 11. Sounds in film Alltypes of sound within cinema can be split in to two main categories Diegetic & Non-Diegetic Diegetic Sound whose source is visible on screen – or whose source is implied to be present by the action of film • Voices of characters • Sounds made by objects on screen or in the film world • Music from radios, instruments seen on screen
- 12. Sounds in film Alltypes of sound within cinema can be split in to two main categories Diegetic & Non-Diegetic Non-Diegetic Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action •Narrators commentary • Sound effects added for dramatic effect • Mood Music (OST) •Non-diegetic is repsented as coming from a source outside of the film world
- 13. Diegetic Vs. Non-Diegetic Watchthe following extracts and note down complete table below: Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound •Salieri’s Voice • Music (Soundtrack) • Paper being handled • Music Salieri is imagining • Salieri describing the • Salieir’s Narration music on camera • Female Opera Singer • Manuscripts hitting the floor • Mozart’s wife talking with Salieri
- 14. Diegetic Vs. Non-Diegetic Watchthe following extracts and note down complete table below: Diegetic Sound Non-Diegetic Sound • TV Commentary •‘Swooshing’ sound of Suger Ray’s Punch • Punching sound effects • Crowd noise • Hearbeat • Bell Ringing • Breathing? • Dialogue from LaMotta’s • Lion roar as Suger Ray Brother hits LaMotta • Dialogue from LaMotta • Wind / Storm noises • Camera flashes • Blood splatters
- 15. The Godfather Sound isas important in conveying information and adding meaning to a scene as cinematography, lighting and mise-en-scene As a result scenes can be analysed using the same method Watch the following scene from the Godfather and answer: List the Diegeitc & Non-Diegetic sounds you hear How does the sound reflect Michael’s emotions? Why has the train sound been used like this?
- 16. The Godfather The absenceof sound in sections of this sequence has been added to highlight the tension felt by Michael The characters speak in Italian without subtitles because the mafia are a secret organisation not open to outsiders The audience are in the same position as the police captain and are unable to enter the mafia’s private world The overhead train sound effect builds alongside Michael’s tension / apprehension It aurally signifies his fear and focus – it gives a sense of being overwhlemed by the scenario – as if the blood is running to his head and drowning out all other noise
- 17. Analysing The Godfather Thecontrasting use of sound is reflective of Michael’s emotions and feelings about an execution he must carry out. The sound of the train car passing overhead reflects the inter turmoil and the overwhelming emotions that he is feeling. It drowns out all other sound leaving Michael alone with his thoughts and tension. In the bathroom the sound effect is used to reflect this, but as he re-enters the restaurant the sound returns to silence confirming that he has his emotions under control and re-establishes the tense atmosphere from before
- 18. Boogie Nights Analysis task Watch the following extract from ‘Boogie Nights’ and make notes on the following: What sounds are diegetic / non-diegetic? How does the use of sound build tension? What impact does the use of sound have on the audience? Boogie Nights (1997) How does the sound make you feel in this Dir: Paul Thomas Anderson scene?
- 19. Boogie Nights Analysis task Using your notes your must now write a short analysis of the use of sound in the Boogie Nights drug deal scene Include: What sounds are non/diegetic? What does the use of sound add to the scene? Boogie Nights (1997) Dir: Paul Thomas How do the firecrackers add tension to the Anderson scene?
- 20. Summary What are thethree main categories of film sound? Human Voice Sound Effects Mood Music/Soundtrack What is Diegetic sound? Sound whose source can be seen on screen e.g. Dialogue, gun fire, cars etc What is non-Diegetic sound? Sound whose source is no visible on screen e.g. Soundtrack, special effects, narration
- 22. The Sound ofSilence When analysing films it is important to remember that the absence of sound can have just as much impact as a complicated soundtrack The use of silence can can work against expectation. If we are used to being ‘warned’ with non- diegetic music that a dramatic event is about to take place then we are shocked if the event takes place without such warning. I Am Legend (2007) Dir: Francis Lawrence Watch the following clip and make notes on how the use of sound creates atmosphere and goes against our expectations
- 23. The Sound ofSilence Using your notes your have 10 mins to write a short analysis of I Am Legends opening You must combine your analysis of sound with analysis of cinematography and mise-en-scene Consider: How effective is the mise-en-scene in establishing a post apocalyptic world? How does the camera highlight the characters I Am Legend (2007) isolation and loneliness? Dir: Francis Lawrence
- 24. Contraptual Sound Contraptual soundis often non-diegetic sound Instead of emphasising or complementing the image, this form of sound works in opposition to it Watch the following clip and make notes on how the use of contraptual sound plays against our expectation What effect does the choice of music have on this scene? You have 5 minutes to write your notes up in essay form
- 25. Character Themes When scoring a film a composer must take in to account each different character and create a theme that aurally signifies their characters Character themes can introduce characters They can also complement the actions they are taking Arrange yourselves in to teams of 4 You will now hear 14 character themes and other shot types / sound effects. 1 point for each correct answer 1 Bonus point if you can name the film
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- 28. Shot Types &Film Names
- 29. Shot Types &Film Names
- 30. Shot Types &Film Names
- 31. Shot Types &Film Names
- 32. Shot Types &Film Names
- 33. Shot Types &Film Names
- 34. Shot Types &Film Names
- 35. Sounds True of false This sound is non-diegetic
- 37. Sounds True of false This sound is diegetic
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- 51. Shot Types &Film Names Establishing Shot Unforgiven
- 52. Shot Types &Film Names Wide Shot Spiderman 3
- 53. Shot Types &Film Names Close Up Fellowship of the Ring
- 54. Shot Types &Film Names Raging Bull Low-Angle Long Shot
- 55. Shot Types &Film Names Extreme Close Up Kill Bill
- 56. Shot Types &Film Names Psycho High-Angle Shot
- 57. Shot Types &Film Names Wayne's World Two Shot
- 58. Sounds True of false This sound is non-diegetic
- 60. Sounds True of false This sound is diegetic
- 62. Homework Pick one sceneand complete a 600+ word analysis of Cinematography, Mise-en- scene & Sound Due: Friday 5th October
Editor's Notes
- #2 http://www.cinematechnologymagazine.com/pdf/dion%20sound.pdf
- #5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPmKaz3Quzo
- #7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEcTjhUN_7U
- #8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIaj7FNHnjQ
- #9 Watch LOTR Foley doc here
- #10 http://www.cinematechnologymagazine.com/pdf/dion%20sound.pdf
- #22 http://www.cinematechnologymagazine.com/pdf/dion%20sound.pdf
- #37 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfthzU3V4zo