sound
Sound is arguably the most effective way of creating ideas, emotions, irony, effects and much more, enhancing the true meaning of the film and allowing the director to portray their thoughts even clearer. There are many different types of sound that is used in films including soundtracks, sound effects and dialogue. These all have different effects on film and if used correctly, they create brilliant pieces of art. Some examples of sound is listed below:
diegetic
Diegetic sound is the noises made in the actual film by the actors. For example this could be when characters are having a conversation, when they move objects around, or music being played e.g on the radio. In simpler words, diegetic sound is the sound which is 'real' within the film's world. Diegetic sound can be either on or off screen depending on whatever its source is within the frame or outside the frame. Here is an example below.
This is an example of diegetic sound as it shows sound that is heard within the scene and creates the normal, calm environment that the director would have wanted to create.
Non-diegetic
Non-diegetic sound is the sound which has been edited in and is not visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action going on. It is not part of the films environment. For example this could include: a narrator's commentary, sound effects to make it more dramatic or mood music. Here is an example below:
This is non-diegetic sound as there is a soundtrack which is used to enhance the feel of the scene as the man is shoveling snow. The Christmas music that is heard in the clip doesn't appear to be in the scene, the man doesn't seem to be listening to the radio and there isn't a band on screen playing the tune so it seems safe to say that it is non-diegetic and put in during post-production for effect.
parallel
Parallel sound is music/sounds that match with the image on the screen. For example, in a horror film where we are about to witness a murder we would insert dark, high tempo music which would create a lot of tension. Here is an example below.
This is parallel sound as it is calm and suits the sunrise/sunset (hard to distinguish) nicely. The use of this soundtrack creates the calm atmosphere that George Lucas would have wanted to create and it makes the audience feel relaxed and almost inspired as the music picks up in pace.
Contrapuntal
Contrapuntal sound is music/sounds which contradicts the idea or appearance of what is happening in the clip. It is used to make the audience feel uneasy or disturbed as their ears disagree with their eyes. For example if children were playing on a beach they wouldn't play horror type or scary music while they are playing. Here is an example below:
This is an excellent example of contrapuntal sound in film as the happy, upbeat song "Stuck In The Middle With You" contradicts the horrific torture scene that is taking place at the same time. Quentin Tarantino would have wanted his audience to feel uneasy and the use of this contrapuntal music is what allowed him to achieve this aim.
our opening title sequence's sound
In our opening title sequence we used non-diegetic and parallel sound. We chose to use non diegetic sound as our OTS is a non linear sequence and a montage of lots of different clips (Inspired by the beginning of "Release The Hounds"). There was no appropriate time to use diegetic sound, and we also thought we wouldn't be able to make the scary noises legit and realistic; therefore we used non diegetic sound and inserted in while editing. The reason we chose to use parallel sound and not contrapuntal was because the audience may think the OTS is coming across as a comedy and not a horror. With matching music to what is happening in the clip, it builds up tension.