In this sequence from Scream, lots of different sound techniques are used to create surprise, suspense and shock for the audience as they watch the film. One example in this clip, is where the antagonist is on the phone to the victim, and as he threatens her, a non-diegetic technique is used; where music has been added to the scene to create suspense, as the audience feel the atmosphere become tense and anticipate what will happen next.
Diegetic sound is included in the film as the antagonist fights to get through the jammed door as banging and smashing sounds are heard as he hits the door. This makes the actions appear as realistic for the audience which creates shock and suspense and the antagonised tries to get to the victim. The audience would feel scared and worried for the victim as they do not know whether he is going to reach her or not.
Off screen sound is used as the male character, who at first is expected to be the hero, comes through the window to comfort the female victim and a dog barking is heard in the background. No dog is seen on screen in this clip but the barking creates tension for the audience as the chaos is taking place, therefore the dog barking foreshadows how things are going to get worse and are not going to end well. This will make the audience feel uncomfortable as they do not know what will happen to the victim as the film goes on. This technique is a typical convention of a thriller as it keeps the audience guessing what might happen that will cause them to be shocked and surprised.
Parrallel sound is included in this sequence as Sidney, the female victim, attempts to open the front door but the chain is pulled across, making it harder for her to escape easily. The noise of the chain being stuck is emphesised and makes the action seem more realistic as you would expect to hear the rattling of the chain when trying to pull the door open. This demonstrates how desperate she is to escape from the antagonist which builds tension as the audience want to see her escape and get to safety.
Sound is a key convention in a thriller film as it creates suprise, shock and suspense, therefore this post will help me as i create my own thriller opneing sequence as I will need to include lots of different sound techniques to ensure typical conventions of a thriller are displayed.
You have provided a basic analysis of the sound techniques used within this sequence, mentioning what sound is used and what it creates for the audience.
ReplyDeleteYou need to:
1) Relate all points back to the audience and how they are able to build a relationship with the audience
2) Relate all points back to the thriller genre and whether it is conventional
3) Be more specific with your examples e.g. describe how the soundtrack sounds, what type of noise is it
4) Elaborate on your points
5) Elaborate on your conclusion by explaining whether this clip was successful in creating the three S's and why, as well as pin pointing some examples of sound that you might use within your own sequence