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  • Writer's pictureAbdullah Zaman

Sounds in Film

Updated: Jan 18, 2023

The use of sound in films has a tremendous impact on our perception of them. Scenes are seen differently by us, which makes a certain element of the film more effective. There are a variety of approaches that may be used to accomplish this. This section of media studies will be examined in more depth later.


1) rhythm

A beat or pulse, as well as a speed or tempo, is used to encircle and engage the audience in the performance. It is most often heard in the form of music or, on sometimes, speech.


The soundtrack's name in this scene is ''Reborn'' by Colin Stetson. The music has a hopeful yet twisted and dark rhythm builds up along with the scene adding to the scene massively


2) fidelity and infidelity

Infidelity (lack of fidelity) occurs when an unexpected sound is employed in conjunction with an activity, while fidelity (truthfulness) occurs when a sound is genuine to its source.


3) contrapuntal and parallel

Parallel is when the sound fits the scene, while contrapuntal is when the sound or the music is the polar opposite of the situation occurring, which is frequently utilised to make the audience uncomfortable. Parallel and contrapuntal are two different types of music.


this scene is a torture scene however the soundtrack suggests otherwise making the soundtrack contrapuntal


4) time (synchronous and asynchronous)

the passage of time (synchronous and asynchronous) Asynchronous sound is when the pictures and noises are out of sync (for example, conversation that is in sync with the character's lips). Synchronous sound is when the images and sounds are in sync (for example, dialogue that is in sync with the character's lips) .


An example of asynchronus sound from '39 steps'


5) diagetic and non-diagetic

Diagetic noises are those that are either a part of the film world or may be heard by the characters. Non-diegetic noises are those that originate from beyond the narrative realm and are not associated with the story. They are not audible to the characters and are generally included to enhance the audience's enjoyment of the show. It is most often manifested in the form of noises.


example of diagetic and non diagetic sounds from '' The amazing spider-man 2''


6) volume

The change in loudness which makes a noticeable difference in the scene.


The video above shows a scene from ''The thing'' where a character of the movie, namely Juliette is transforming into the thing.Visible change in the volume and tone of the soundtrack can be noticed as the scene builds up-to its climax

7) sound bridge:

a constant stream of sound A transition is a method of bridging the gap between two scenes that might be diagetic or non-diagetic in nature.


8) timbre

The overall sound quality of the scene.


9) atmospheric sound:

a sound (or a series of sounds) that helps to establish an atmosphere (for example, general noises in a school scenario such as automobile horns, birds chirping, bell ringing, and so on).

This scene from Dunkirk is a great example for the use of atmospheric sounds such as gun shots etc


10) Foley sound

It is the recreation of daily sound effects (for example, creaking flooring or shattered glass).


this scene is from 2016's horror thriller 'Don't breathe', it is a great example of foley sounds as the robbers are trying to be quite in this but the door sounds and creaky floor is not helping them


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