SOUND IN FILM.

THE SHINING.

At the beginning to the film, as the credits are rolling, there is a very dramatic, military sounding music- trumpets etc, high pitched twangs also cut in periodically, giving the film an eerie atmosphere. The scene this sound is playing over, is one car driving up a mountain, on a long winding road. This music adds to the sense of isolation, and also makes you feel slightly uncomfortable. I believe this was purposely done, to foreshadow eerie events to come, and it also emphasises the genre. Without this music, the scene would be far less dramatic and haunting, thus giving the audience the wrong impression about the film.
Another scene I have analysed is the bathroom scene with the young boy. The boy seems to have two voices, one is an ordinary young boy’s voice, whereas the other is much more croaky and throaty. This could be perceived as just a young boy messing around with an “imaginary friend”. However, this scene also has long, random twangs of deep, low sounds. This musical score adds to the ominous, dark atmosphere, and makes the scene slightly disturbing, when it could otherwise- without the addition of this creepy non diagetic sound, seem like very sincere and innocent frolicking of a child. For this reason, I believe that the addition of non diagetic sound in this scene is incredibly important, as without it, the scene would come across completely different. This could prove fatal to the storyline, as this scene is a very early inkling to the audience that dark events may occur later on.
“Time to Play” is another scene where sound is used very effectively. The child is riding his trike along the corridors of the hotel. The audience can hear the sound of the bike wheels going round, but diagetic music is also played over the top. This music is very fast, dramatic and high pitched, this gives the scene a very menacing edge. High pitched twangs are also introduced at intervals throughout this scene. This seems to build up tension and make the audience feel suspense, and slightly wary. These suspicions of a haunting event are then confirmed as the haunting image of two young twins come onto screen. However, I feel that this scene wouldn’t be as sinister, if a different, more upbeat, jolly sound was played over it. For this reason, I believe that the sound used in this scene is also very important, and enhances the response of the audience significantly.

FILM REVIEW.

NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE
Napoleon Dynamite is an awkward, discomforting, crude.. hilarious film. This geeky, witty film demonstrates indie comedy expertly. Although the film lacks a distinct storyline, it is endearingly shot, and the kitsch style appeals to the teen-indie audience. The appeal is aided by the gritty addition of the painfully needy, awkward characters. These American miss-fits are stuck in the 80’s, and the main character Napoleon is no exception. He seems constantly out of sync. This, at times can be uncomfortable to watch, however, it is also absolutely hilarious to watch this captivating teenager, find himself in countless cringey situations. Napoleon seems to be painfully unaware of the fact that he constantly displaces himself socially, and as a result tries desperately to conform to the “cool dude” stereotype. The main factor, which I believe accentuates the films comedic value, is just that. The fact that the characters seem to think that they are pretty “cool”, when it is so painfully obvious that they are the complete opposite. Overall, I think Napoleon Dynamite is a hilarious, awkward, crude take on American high school life. The painfully embarrassing, dysfunctional characters are so endearing, as is the kitsch style, the seamless shots, and the charming settings. These factors make it near impossible not to love this backward, yet hilarious indie film.