F ILM SOUND

Sound in film is a “designed experience, and

our access to it is shaped in a particular way

to achieve particular ends.”

- James F. Lastra, “Teaching Film Sound”

Types of film soundWhat kind of sound is it?

Vocal:

Dialogue & narration

Environmental sounds:

Ambient, foley, effects

Music

Silence

• Which type of sound is in the foreground?

In the background?

• Which type of sound conveys the most

narrative information?

Layers

Sources of film soundWhere does the sound come from?

Diegetic vs. nondiegetic

Onscreen vs. offscreen

Asynchronous sound

Internal vs. external

• Create continuity

• Shape our sense of space

• Guide audience attention

• Create audience expectations

• Create the impression of subjectivity

• Add to characterization

• Add pace and rhythm to a scene

• Evoke emotion

• “Comment” on the film image

Functions of film soundWhat does the sound do?

Music and image are in harmony

Music and image are in

counterpoint