How A Quiet Place (2018) Uses Sound Design | Stories As Lessons

Summary

This video script discusses the critical role of sound design in horror films, using 'A Quiet Place' as a prime example. It explores how the film innovates with jump scares and employs silence to build tension, emphasizing the primal fear of sound in a world where noise attracts deadly creatures. The script also touches on the film's unique approach to perspective, particularly through the deaf character, and argues for the recognition of sound design as a storytelling tool that can enhance and propel the narrative.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the importance of sound design in movies, particularly in the horror genre.
• 🏆 Despite the Academy Awards not often recognizing horror movies, the script argues for the technical achievements in sound design, exemplified by 'A Quiet Place'.
• 👂 The film 'A Quiet Place' uses silence and sound strategically to create tension and fear, innovating the traditional jump scare.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The story revolves around a family trying to survive in a world where sound attracts deadly creatures.
• 🎵 The script contrasts common horror movie sound techniques with the more nuanced approach taken by 'A Quiet Place'.
• 👂👀 The perspective of the deaf daughter in 'A Quiet Place' is explored through the absence of sound, enhancing audience empathy.
• 🎞️ Sound design is compared to a character in a film, needing to blend in yet stand out when necessary.
• 🐰 The Pixar movie 'Zootopia' is mentioned for its creative sound design, such as emulating the sounds of rabbit footsteps.
• 🎥 The script calls for the Academy to recognize and award innovative sound design that contributes to storytelling.
• 👶 The film taps into primal and childhood fears, like the boogeyman, by using sound as a central narrative element.
• 🎭 The script concludes by emphasizing the immersive power of sound in film, urging viewers to appreciate the art of sound design.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script discussing?

The video script is discussing the importance and impact of sound design in movies, particularly in the horror genre, using 'A Quiet Place' as a prime example.

What is the unique experiment described in the script involving bacon sounds?

The script describes an experiment where the sound of rain in a video is replaced with the sound of bacon frying to test which of three videos has the altered audio, only to reveal that all three have the bacon sound.

Why are horror movies often overlooked for prestigious awards like the Academy Awards?

Horror movies are often overlooked for prestigious awards because the genre is not typically associated with technical achievements or narrative depth, despite the pivotal role sound plays in these films.

What is the premise of 'A Quiet Place'?

'A Quiet Place' is a survival story about a family living in a world where any sound they make could attract deadly monsters.

How does 'A Quiet Place' innovate the use of jump scares?

In 'A Quiet Place', jump scares are innovated by integrating them into the narrative, making them a clever technique rather than just startling moments.

What is the role of sound design in creating tension in horror movies?

Sound design in horror movies is crucial for maintaining tension by creating a sense of fear and paranoia, which keeps the audience engaged and on edge.

How does the script describe the use of sound design for the character Regan, the deaf daughter in 'A Quiet Place'?

The script describes how sound design is used to strip all sound from the movie when switching to Regan's perspective, allowing the audience to empathize with her vulnerability and experience the world as she does.

What is the significance of the scene where Regan tests her hearing device with speakers in 'A Quiet Place'?

The scene where Regan tests her hearing device is significant as it plays with audience expectations of sound, creating a sense of alienation and vulnerability when the expected sound does not occur.

How does 'A Quiet Place' use the absence of sound to build tension?

By drawing attention to the potential dangers of sound and then taking it away, 'A Quiet Place' forces the audience to bottle up natural emotional responses, building internal tension.

What is the comparison made between 'A Quiet Place' and 'Lights Out' in terms of narrative techniques?

Both 'A Quiet Place' and 'Lights Out' are compared in their creative use of common film techniques—sound and lighting, respectively—to fit into their narratives and enhance the storytelling.

What is the final message the script conveys about the importance of sound design in movies?

The script emphasizes that sound design should be recognized not just as a tool for storytelling but as a creative force that can push narratives forward in innovative ways.