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In the realm of filmmaking, the art of storytelling extends beyond visual images to encompass the auditory experience. Sound, a crucial component of the cinematic narrative, is a multifaceted tool that directors use to immerse audiences in the story, evoke emotions, and create a sense of place and time. Two fundamental categories of sound in film are diegetic and non-diegetic sound, each with its distinct characteristics and purposes. This essay explores these two types of sound, their applications in film, and the potential for confusion between them.
Diegetic sound, often referred to as "natural" sound, is a type of sound that originates within the narrative world of the film.
It is sound that characters can hear, interact with, and respond to as part of their reality. Diegetic sound encompasses various elements, such as character dialogue, sounds made by objects, music performed within the film's narrative, and natural environmental sounds.
One of the most common forms of diegetic sound is character dialogue.
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When characters in a film speak to one another or express themselves through speech, their words are an integral part of the film's narrative. This type of diegetic sound allows the audience to gain insights into the characters' personalities, relationships, and motivations. A notable example of character dialogue as diegetic sound can be found in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet." In the scene where the Montagues and Capulets first meet, the tension between the two families is palpable through their verbal exchanges.
ABRA
Do you bite your thumb at us, sir!
Sampson's shaking hand hovers - ready to draw.
SAMPSON
I do bite my thumb, sir.
Music that is performed within the film's narrative is another example of diegetic sound.
This can include characters playing musical instruments or singing as part of the story. A famous instance of this can be found in the film "Titanic" when the ship is sinking, and the band decides to continue playing, even though they are aware of their impending doom. This diegetic use of music serves to intensify the emotional impact of the scene.
ON WALLACE HARTLEY raising his violin to play.
HARTLEY
Number 26. Ready and --
The band has reassembled just outside the First Class Entrance, port side, near where Lightoller is calling for the boats to be loaded. They strike up a waltz, lively and elegant. The music wafts all over the ship.
Diegetic sound also encompasses sounds made by objects or elements within the film's environment. These sounds are often amplified to draw the audience's attention to specific actions or objects. For instance, in the remake of "The Italian Job," the revving of a car's engine is emphasized to heighten the tension and convey the seriousness of the situation.
UNDERWATER - SAME TIME
The Humvee strikes the surface bottom with an ominous thud.
Non-diegetic sound, on the other hand, exists outside the narrative world of the film. It includes sound elements that characters within the film cannot hear and are added during post-production to enhance the viewer's experience. Non-diegetic sound can be categorized into several subtypes, including sound effects, narration, and background or mood music.
Sound effects are often employed to create realistic sounds for unreal objects or actions. These effects make it easier for audiences to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in fantastical or science fiction settings. For example, the iconic sound of a lightsaber in the "Star Wars" franchise is created artificially to convey the idea that the lightsaber is an organic, tangible object.
Through Lucas' perseverance and continuity of the lightsaber sound, the constant whirring, the audience is quite accustomed to believing that the lightsaber is an organic object.
Just as the ice creature looms over Luke, the lightsaber jumps into Luke's hand.
The young warrior instantly ignites his sword, swinging up, and cuts himself loose from the ice.
Narration is a form of non-diegetic sound often used in films to provide exposition or commentary. It can take the form of an external narrator who is not part of the film's story or a character recounting past events. In both cases, narration serves to provide context, insight, or a distinct narrative voice. In "The Englishman who went up a Hill but came down a Mountain," narration is used to introduce the audience to the unique naming conventions in Wales and set the stage for the story.
Narrator: For some odd reason, lost in the mists of time, there's an extraordinary shortage of last names in Wales...To avoid widespread confusion, Welsh people often add an occupation to a name... But one man's name was a puzzle, and it wasn't until I was 10 years old that I asked my grandfather about the man with the longest and most enigmatic name of all.
Background or mood music, often referred to as the soundtrack or score, plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional tone of a film. It can heighten tension, convey romance, or elicit a sense of nostalgia. Mood music is an essential component of the cinematic experience and is used extensively in Hollywood blockbusters to manipulate audience emotions. It provides a sonic backdrop that complements the visual narrative and creates a memorable atmosphere.
Any attentive filmgoer is aware of the enormous power music holds in shaping the film experience, manipulating emotions and point of view, and guiding perceptions of characters, moods, and narrative events.
While diegetic and non-diegetic sound serve distinct purposes in filmmaking, there are instances where the boundaries between these two categories can become blurred, leading to potential confusion. This section explores the similarities between diegetic and non-diegetic sound and examines instances where the two overlap within a film scene.
One area of overlap between diegetic and non-diegetic sound is the role of the narrator. While character dialogue is typically diegetic, narration within a film can be either diegetic or non-diegetic. In some cases, a character may take on the role of the narrator, recounting past events or providing commentary on the story. This blurs the line between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, as the character's voice is part of the film's narrative but also serves an external narrative function. An example of this can be found in "Carlito's Way," where the main character, Carlito Brigante, narrates his story from a future perspective.
Sorry boys, all the stitches in the world can't sew me together again. Lay down...lay down. Gonna stretch me out in Fernandez funeral home on hun and ninth street...Getting the shakes now, Last call for drinks, Bars closing down Sun's out Where are we going for breakfast, Don't wanna go far Rough night Tired baby... Tired...
Another area where diegetic and non-diegetic sound can overlap is in the use of sound effects. While diegetic sound often includes natural sounds within the film's world, filmmakers may use sound effects to create a heightened or exaggerated auditory experience. This occurs when filmmakers seek to represent an unreal or extraordinary object or action with a more pronounced sound. For instance, in a Western film like "Young Guns 2," the sound of gunshots is typically exaggerated through sound effects to enhance the cinematic experience, blurring the line between natural and artificial sound.
When watching a spaghetti western, it's an unconscious convention that we expect the gun to make quite a prominent sound, from either the initial bang through to the ricochet twang. My feeling is that, the natural sound produced by a gun, particularly props, would not be enough to convince the audience, especially with modern expectations. I feel it's at this point when you could call the sound effect that replaces the original sound non-diegetic in respect to it being created artificially.
The use of music in film provides a unique opportunity to explore the interaction between diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Music that is rooted within the scene, such as a live performance by characters, is classified as diegetic sound. However, the same musical piece can transition into a non-diegetic role when it serves to set the mood or emotional tone of the film. In Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet," the music initially starts as diegetic sound during the house party scene but becomes non-diegetic when it underscores the secret conversation between Romeo and Juliet, intensifying the romantic tension.
Yet, when Romeo and Juliet are first engaging each other in secret conversation, the music becomes the mood setting for the background. This is emphasized more when a natural break in the song serves as an intensifying moment between the two characters. This could then be classed as non-diegetic as it serves to put across the mood between the two lovers of excitement and intrigue.
In conclusion, diegetic and non-diegetic sound are integral components of the cinematic experience, each with its specific functions and characteristics. Diegetic sound immerses the audience in the film's narrative world through character dialogue, object sounds, and natural environmental sounds. Non-diegetic sound, on the other hand, operates outside the film's narrative, encompassing sound effects, narration, and mood music that shape emotions and guide the viewer's perspective.
While these categories provide a framework for understanding sound in film, the boundaries between diegetic and non-diegetic sound are not always rigid. Filmmakers often employ creative techniques that blur these boundaries, using character narration, exaggerated sound effects, and music to achieve their artistic goals. As a result, the distinction between diegetic and non-diegetic sound can be fluid and subject to interpretation, adding depth and complexity to the cinematic experience.
In the end, the interplay between these two types of sound is a testament to the artistry of filmmaking, where sound serves as a powerful tool to engage, entertain, and provoke emotional responses from audiences. Whether diegetic or non-diegetic, sound is a vital element that enriches the storytelling process and elevates the cinematic medium to new heights of creativity and expression.
The Differences Between Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound in Film. (2016, Jul 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/difference-between-diegetic-and-non-diegetic-sound-essay
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