Sound in Film

Digetic - realistic sounds that are accepted to be of the world we are watching
Non-Digetic - sounds that we do not deem part of the film world (e.g. background music, voice-overs)
Sound Bridges - sound that leads or continues from one scene to the next (helps continuity)
Parallel Sound - sounds that match and complement the images on screen
Contrapuntal Sound - sounds that do not fit with the image on screen

Looking at sound in the opening to Casino


If we look back on the opening of Casino, it is a good example of what our group plan to do for our opening.  The sound and effect they have are:

• The sound bridge of the wind blowing during the initial titles onto the opening scene suggests a future suspense and has ominous connotations.
• The only digetic sound is footsteps which adds to the tense and suspicious atmosphere
• The contast of the explosion of the car, although parallel to what is on the screen, is unexpected compared to the previous quiet sounds.  This shock engrosses the audience and compells them to carry on watching.
• The voice over (non-digetic) allows us to connect with the protaginist and lets the audience to know who the story will be predominantly focused on.  Also, what he is saying and his voice suggests a fed-up but deep character.
• The sound bridge linking the explosion to the titles gives the audience time to take in the impact.  The titles usually incorporate what mood the film is trying to capture or include, so by beginning with the explosion, we can expect it to be full of action.
• The opera music playing during the titles is usually associated with Italy therefore suggests it will involve the mafia or gangsters in the film.  It is also sombre music which implies there will much sadness throughout the film.