Sound in film opening

SOUNDS USED IN HAIL

 Throughout our film opening, we used a variety of both diegetic and non diegetic sounds to add both tension to the sequence and help the plot line.

The initial sound used and base background music that is used throughout our film opening is a non diegetic piece that is parallel to the onscreen image. The music creates both a tense and sad environment (especially during the beginning and the end) which allows the audience an insight into the protagonists life, and contributes to the tension of the psychological thriller.

The background music continues until the protagonist gets into the taxi, and at that point the volume decreases and the intense beat is removed, to create a more relaxed environment. However we non diegetic sound effects such as wind, rain and whoosh sounds, which fit the conventions of the horror genre. This coupled with the close up shots of the eerie props such as the drivers victim collectable, and the flashing lights, helps to build tension and allows the audience to gain a sense of fore boarding.

 

Finally the scene in the alley way, after the non- diegetic sound effects in the cab, begins with a loud crash, as the girl is seen to be hitting the floor. This is used for dramatic effect and to increase the tension before the next part of the opening. The diegetic sound of scissors snapping is a very harsh, and somewhat scary noise and the audience are all ready on edge, and this sound which is parallel to the scene helps frighten the audience even more. This was added in post production.

 

Finally the scene ends with the same music as was played in the beginning scene to create the idea of finality and remind the audience of the beginning scene as it has essentially gone in a circle, her being the victim and not the only victim, as seen by the cab drivers collectable. The diegetic sounds of thunder and wind were added during post production, however due to the weather of rain when we filmed, these sounds worked really well in our film opening and contributed to the conventions used from the horror genre.