Research Into Sound - Miss Miller

Research into Sound                                             

Introduction

Sound is essential when trying to create effects and suspense within a thriller. When there is a scene that requires a build up to a jump scene. The tension in the film has to be at a peak. This can be manipulated by a number of different techniques. One of these could be sound.

Diegetic sounds

The footsteps of the character immediately add to the slow paced atmosphere that is used to build tension. The sound effects are minimum at the start this is to let the audience take special notice of smaller sounds, such as footsteps being presented in this scene. This is conventional to a thriller as it lets the audience concentrate on just the footsteps. This is often used to create the effect of how quiet the scene is. If the audience are only able to here footsteps it creates the feeling of isolation and loneliness which can create an unsettling feeling throughout the sequence.

 The diegetic sound of the thunder which begins to create a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere, can also be heard in this clip. The weather of storms and thunder also can be associated with danger and this creates a sense of foreboding for the audience. The fact the heavy rain can be heard and the surprising sounds of harsh thunder tells the audience that the safety of the antagonist could be opposed. This is conventional to a thriller as it provides the harsh weather and the connotations that come with it. The audiences emotions and reactions wouldn't be the same without the dark colours in the sky and the heavy noises.

As the character begins to look out into the distance he notices a hand print and presses his own hand against it. This is immediately followed by a loud scream that will give the audience a sudden sense of shock, possibly making them jump. The diegetic scream is ultimately used to make the audiences senses be alert.This relates to a convention of a thriller due to the slow paced editing. Thriller films usually will focus on one significant sound such as a heart beat or foot steps and then this sound will usually increase in temp and sound and then finally end with a shocking action (such as the lady screaming through the window).

 Non Diegetic 

The erie sounds being used throughout the sequence continues to be played on and off and used when needed. The sounds in the background that were put in editing continues to sound like a light choir of a woman that remains singing in a high pitched tone. This actually continues to portray the more scary tones, that are present in this film. As the woman is what makes this film frightening and thrilling. This is conventional to a thriller as it creates a suspenseful atmosphere. When the audience is anticipating something and all they can hear is chilling music it builds tension within the scene and creates a relationship between the character and the audience due to that fact that they may be concerned for his life.

After the woman screams there is a quiet non diegetic sound of a high pitched scream-like effect that resembles the emotion of being shocked. This is perfectly placed to soften the loud diagetic scream. This opposes the thriller convention as it is usually erie soundtracks that are played within a thriller film. In thriller films we will never usually hear a soundtrack that seems upbeat and enjoyable they are usually very dark and erie and slow-temped.

Off screen

Off screen noises can be used to increase the tension and suspense within a thriller film, as it causes the audience to question whether or not the sound is near or far and if it can be associated with danger? In the distance of this clip you are able to hear a wolf howling. This is conventional to a thriller genre as it results in the audience wondering where the sound is coming from. In this case the audience may wander if this wolf has any part in the narrative of this film. They may begin to create a relationship with the character based on fear. As Off-screen sounds are usually vital to the thriller conventions as they indicate what location the thriller film is set in.

Parallel sounds

Parallel sounds are often sounds that in fact fit the scene and genre of the film. For example if a girl was getting murdered in a part of a thriller film, the parallel sounds associated with this would be screaming, stabbing and even an erie non-diagetic soundtrack. Here in women in black we hear creaking footsteps that resemble a sneaky sort of behaviour, this is common in thrillers and is a typical convention as they portray secrets and mystery they also emphasis on the silence, letting the audience take notice of the quiet footsteps, this creates a very tense atmosphere as the audience focuses on where the character is heading.

Conclusion

In conclusion to this sound plays a massive part in making a thriller film suspenseful and thrilling. Each erie sound creates tension within a scene. Whether its a scream or the sound effect of a gun being shot, each sound is added for a reason and contributes to making the scene entertaining and enjoyable for the audience. I know that insignificant sounds now play a part in making the scene what it is which is why I aim to add as many sound as possible, within my own thriller opening. I've learnt that simple and engaging sounds that grab the audiences attention are what make a thriller film erie.