Though we might think of film as an essentially visual experience, we really cannot
afford to underestimate the importance of film sound. A meaningful sound track is
often as complicated as the image on the screen. The entire sound track is
comprised of three essential ingredients:
The Human Voice (Dialogue)
Sound Effects (Synchronous and Asynchronous sound)
Music
These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases
which in turn create desired effects. Topics which essentially refer to the three
previously mentioned tracks are discussed below. They include dialogue, synchronous
and asynchronous sound, and music.
DIALOGUE
Dialogue authenticates the speaker as an individual or a real person rather than
the imaginary creation of a story teller. As is the case with stage drama, dialogue
serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as
well. Often with film characterization the audience perceives little or no difference
between the character and the actor. Thus, for example, Humphrey Bogart is Sam Spade;
film personality and life personality seem to merge. Perhaps this is the case because
the very texture of a performer's voice supplies an element of character.
SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS FX
Synchronous sound effects are those sounds which are synchronized or
matched with what is viewed. For example, if the film portrays a character
playing the piano, the sounds of the piano are projected. Synchronous sounds
contribute to the realism of film and also help to create a particular
atmosphere.
Asynchronous sound effects are not matched with a visible source of the
sound on screen. Such sounds are included so as to provide an appropriate
emotional nuance, and they may also add to the realism of the film.
MUSIC
Background music is used to add emotion and rhythm to a film. Usually not meant
to be noticeable, it often provides a tone or an emotional attitude toward the
story and/or the characters epicted. In addition, background music often
foreshadows a change in mood. For example, dissonant music may be used in film
to indicate an approaching (but not yet visible) menace or disaster. Background
music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes.
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