Sound techniques used in thrillers- Miss Miller

Sound is adopted in many different ways in film to create all different types of effects. There are two different types of sound used, diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic sound refers to sound that is appropriate to what is being seen on screen and has originated from something that is happening in the films world, for example dialogue. Non-diegetic sound refers to sound that cannot be seen on screen or doesn't relate to what is happening. It is the sound that has not originated from any source in the film world; a common example of non-diegetic sound is narrator’s commentary. This type of non-diegetic sound is used famously in Frank Darabont's Shawshank redemption where Morgan Freeman (Red) narrates throughout the film.

1:09 - 1:16

The use of contrapuntal diegetic sound during the clip, conflicts with what we are seeing on screen. The character being murdered inside the truck in juxtaposition with the 'hip pop' music being played when the characters walk past creates an effect of inconsistency and loss of control of the situation, suggesting that the scream killer may be loosing control of his plan. The effect is relatable to the Thriller genre particularly as it builds tension in the storyline as the viewers start to feel as though the killer is perhaps beginning to 'loose control'.

1:04

At point 1:04 loud non-diegetic sound is used in the form of a suspenseful bang this is used to frighten the viewer as the killer jumps out to grab the victim. The silence that comes before the attack builds suspense making us feel that nothing is going to happen at that moment however the sound sounds shocks the viewer which as a result furthers the shock the audience have towards the killer jumping out of the truck. Shock, suspense and tension are relatable to the thriller genre as these are the main elements thrillers look to exploit. The use of suspense that fluctuates throughout the scene helps to scare and confuse the viewer into not knowing when and where the killer is going to attack from. The scene usually concludes when we think nothing is going to happen and the immediate sense of fear that the surprise implements on the viewer furthers tension and helps the viewer build a relationship with the victim on screen as they feel sympathy for them and want them to survive.

Parallel sound is prominent throughout the clip particularly at point 0:26- 0:30. This suspenseful non-diegetic addition to the clip increases the tension as the characters desperately search for the killer 'ghost face'. The fast paced music builds in volume as the characters close in on what they presume to be the killer on the phone before reaching a climax when the suspect is jumped on. This fools the viewers into believing that the suspect is in fact the killer, as although the music is parallel to the general situation it is not to what we are seeing at 0:26-0:30. Parallel sound is relatable to all movie genres not just thrillers as it helps build the effect that the director is hoping to convoy in the scene, for example, fast paced music is used allot in the action genre as it connotes an out of control scenario with lots going on. However thrillers will generally adopt a more subtle music style that builds in frequency and volume to suggest something is going to happen.

0:37- 0:38

During this time frame there is off screen sound of the women on the other end of the phone that the protagonists apprehended. The unnecessary use of off-screen sound makes the film more dynamic and relatable to real life. As you begin to feel as though the film is more believable you then begin to build a relationship with the characters in this case the man how was been tackled to the floor. From this we can see the desperation in the characters efforts to find the killer help building tension. Off screen sound is used in all movie genres however it is used more controversially in the thriller genre particularly as apposed to it being used as background noise e.g. traffic, television. It is used in a more constructive way to help build tension, as off screen noise particularly in the form of dialogue, such as on the phone gives a sense of mystery (a key convention of the thriller genre) this builds tension as we are unaware of the callers identity.

The research I have carried out today has made me aware that near all sound used within the thriller genre has been used for the particular reason to increase the tension or another effect within the scene. To enhance the fear that the scene will create and the effect that the fear will have on the audience. I now know what sound techniques to apply at different parts within my thriller opening to increase the desired effects of fear, tension and suspense and therefore make my thriller opening more professional, conventional and effective.