Understanding Movies 101 -- Sound in Movies: Some Basics

Summary

In this video, Dr. Josh Matthews highlights the critical role of sound in filmmaking, arguing that it is often overlooked in favor of visual elements. He explains how music, sound effects, and voiceovers contribute significantly to the narrative, with composers like John Williams and Bernard Herrmann shaping the emotional landscape of films. Analyzing a clip from 'Crimson Peak,' he illustrates the variety of sounds that enrich cinematic experiences. Matthews introduces diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, encouraging viewers to appreciate sound design as an essential aspect of movie criticism and filmmaking.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Sound is as crucial as visuals in films, influencing the overall experience significantly.
• 🎶 There are no truly silent movies; sound has been integral to cinema since its inception.
• 🎼 Composers like John Williams and Bernard Herrmann shape the emotional tone of films through their scores.
• 🔊 Sound effects play a vital role in creating atmosphere, especially in genres like horror and science fiction.
• 📽️ The distinction between diegetic (sounds within the movie world) and non-diegetic (external sounds) is essential for film analysis.
• 📜 Many critics focus primarily on visual elements, often overlooking the importance of sound.
• 👂 Viewers are encouraged to listen critically and appreciate the auditory elements in movies.
• 🎥 Understanding sound design can enhance the viewing experience and deepen film analysis.
• 👨‍🎤 A documentary called 'Score' provides insights into the music composition process for films.
• 🔍 Challenging traditional movie criticism by emphasizing sound can reveal new perspectives and enhance discussions.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Dr. Josh Matthews in this video?

Dr. Josh Matthews focuses on the importance of sound in movies, emphasizing that sound design is crucial for the overall cinematic experience, alongside visual elements.

Why does Matthews believe sound is often overlooked in film criticism?

Matthews argues that sound is harder to discuss and analyze compared to visuals because it requires real-time experience, making it less accessible for critics who typically emphasize visual elements.

What does Matthews mean when he says there are no 'silent movies'?

He explains that even early films, often labeled as silent, included live soundtracks performed in theaters, indicating that sound has always been a component of cinema.

How do musical scores contribute to film according to Matthews?

Matthews states that musical scores are essential as they can comment on the visual elements and evoke emotions, enhancing the storytelling of a film.

Who are some composers mentioned by Matthews, and what are their distinct styles?

Matthews mentions John Williams, known for his colorful and emotional music, and Bernard Herrmann, whose eerie scores create tension and ambiguity, illustrating how different composers shape a film's atmosphere.

What are diegetic and non-diegetic sounds?

Diegetic sounds originate from within the film's world and can be heard by the characters, while non-diegetic sounds, like background music, are only heard by the audience.

What challenge does Matthews present to aspiring movie critics?

Matthews challenges them to pay more attention to sound in their analyses and to comment on audio elements as thoroughly as they do on visual aspects.

What specific exercise does Matthews suggest viewers undertake while watching a clip from 'Crimson Peak'?

He encourages viewers to list every sound they hear in a two-minute clip from 'Crimson Peak' to highlight the complexity and importance of sound design in film.

How does Matthews suggest sound effects contribute to the impact of certain film genres?

He notes that in genres like horror and science fiction, sound effects are pivotal in creating atmosphere and enhancing the viewer's experience.

What documentary does Matthews recommend for further understanding film scoring?

He recommends the documentary 'Score,' which explores the history and process of composing music for movies, providing insights into the work of great film composers.