Cuffs Exam Question 2

How is sound used to create meaning? Give at least two examples.(5marks) 

Notes

Non digetic sound with the everyday noise of a bustling pier
Squeal of the JCB's tires
Non digetic sound with the crashing of the glass and the whirring of the JCB forklift
Digetic Radio walkie talkie off screen sound, we listen to the conversation. Contrast with the shock of the robbery. As they hear this they jump into action, cueing the post production editing of an up tempo song playing.
Police sirens is non digetic, there is music in the background to add a rhythm
As they are called into action, the main police officers voice becomes harsh and loud. Each officer shouts at one another to convey information.
Sounds of the police cars adds to the effect of the police car accelerating, this conveys the way they are driving.
The song changes and ups the tempo even more and also becomes louder.
Inside the van, an announcement requesting back up
The rookie police officer blunders with the commentary of the situation at hand. This is digetic.

My Answer

The smashing of the glass also connotes images of violence and the action of the scene. Partnered with the sounds of people in distress, this gives off the effect of anarchy.

Without the post production music and sound effects added would put the viewer in the dark. The squealing of the wheels and the roaring of the engine connote danger and a sense of urgency. The squeals show the reader the high speed at which the car is driving. The screeching and the earsplitting siren also connotes police urgency as you usually hear it when the police are called into action.

Post production music, also adds a certain tone to a specific event happening on-screen. When the chase scene begins, up tempo music starts playing in the background to make the viewer on edge. This is effective as the specific choice of music will connote certain emotions such as urgency and fear.