Research into sound

Introduction

I will be researching how sound is used in thriller films to create different responses from the audience and how it helps create more of an understanding of the film for the audience. I will be analysing Scream 2 because it uses music that builds up tension and sounds that show fear.

The types of sound used in this film are:

• Off-screen sound
• Non-diegetic sound
• On-screen sound
• Diegetic sound

Off-screen sound is used when she answers the phone (0:22). On the other end of the line is a man with a deep voice, as he's speaking to the girl, she has frightened facial expressions. This shows mystery as she does not know who the man is. It also shows that she is vulnerable and weak because she is a female. This is conventional to the thriller genre because tension is created which creates fear for the audience. Also, villains in the thriller films usually make their target a woman because they know that they are innocent and will find it difficult to fight back. This helps the audience build a relationship with the victim as they begin to feel sorry for her and are scared for her safety. As it is an off-screen sound with him being on the phone, it puts the audience into her position as neither know who he is or what he is going to do. This creates a sense of mystery for the audience and they don't know what will happen next.

Non-diegetic sound is used when she first sees the villain and she screams (0:38). The soundtrack speeds up and the beat of it makes the clip more tense for the audience. As the tension builds up, the audience know someone is going to get stabbed which is conventional to the thriller genre. Also, as the pace of the music gets faster and louder, it implies that the villain is getting closer to her and makes the audience think she is never going to get out of the house. This helps the audience build a relationship with the character because as the music builds up they become frightened for her and don't want her to get hurt as she's innocent.

On-screen sound is used when the knife goes through the door (0:49). This is frightening for the audience because they fear for the boy stood on the other side. The sound of the knife going through the door is conventional to the thriller genre because it is a dangerous weapon. As the knife goes through the door, blood is on the knife which builds up more suspense as it means that he has stabbed someone before hand. The sound of the knife going through the door makes the audience think that the boy on the other side has been stabbed as they can't see him when it first goes through the door. It also makes them think that the antagonist could do anything as he doesn't seem afraid or nervous about stabbing anyone. This helps the audience build a relationship with the antagonist as they feel hate towards him.

Diegetic dialogue is used when she is screaming and running towards the door then the boy outside starts shouting her name (0:43). This shows that they are both panicking and scared. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it builds up tension and makes the audience scared for their safety. By him shouting her name, it shows the audience that he cares for her and doesn't want her to get hurt. This helps them build a relationship towards the characters because their feelings towards each other are realistic so they understand how they feel more.

Conclusion

This research has taught me that non-diegetic sound is useful to build up suspense and create a scarier film for the audience. I will apply non-diegetic sound to my thriller because it builds up tension making it conventional to the thriller genre. This sequence created both suspense and an anti-climax and no one was badly injured.