Experimenting with sound

Here's some sounds that we recorded using just ourselves, an iPhone and some various objects we found at home/school.

Clock Ticking

Music Box

"I'm Watching You"

Nails Scraping Down A Wall

The Last House on the Left - Sound

A Sound analysis of The Last House on the Left trailer 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl2lmFPBGN8

• The trailer is introduced with a light-hearted, high pitched, fast paced tone - which is parallel to the imagery ( a friendly road trip).
• The dialogue immediately informs the audience of the storyline and the purpose of their visit - 'Meet up with Page' etc. We are introduced to the main characters of the film and the relationships between the characters.
• The female characters are laughing, creating a happy, relaxed atmosphere; however a sudden low pitched sound stab shows a direct contrast.
• The non-diagetic sound remains parallel - high and low tones blend together to create an eerie sound.
• The dialogue informs the audience of the narrative of the film - we recognise that the characters are in the wrong place and are confronted by unwanted guests. When men are shouting in an aggressive tone, it builds the climax and signals distress.
• The diagetic sound of a knife blade is intimidating and threatening towards the female characters.
• A sudden sound stab as the black screen is introduced.
• As the tempo increases, light drumming is introduced - diagetic screaming, shouting and banging on doors - signals to the audience that the characters can't escape. This is a tactic to build tension.
• A gun-shot brings sudden panic amongst the audience - fear of death and danger.
• As the tempo increases, there are faster, punchy transitions between shots, accompanied with a non-diagetic low pitched banging sound.
• The diagetic sound of rain and wind - weather conditions usually associated with the horror genre.
• Following the climax of the trailer, a non-diagetic melody is introduced - a missing character appears. The soundtrack has lyrics, 'Sweet child of mine..' which could portray how protective the parents are over their daughter.
• Men scream and shout - are represented as the inferior in this situation.
• The climax continues with fast-paced transitions. The low, disturbing non-diagetic sound stops whilst the melody continues into the title of the film.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Sound

A sound analysis of the first 3 minutes of The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVTgk8KEyV0
Throughout titles:

• A strong, low monotone at a slow pace.
• A high tone is introduced creating a blend of eerie tones and raising uncertainty amongst the audience.
• The non-diagetic sound is parallel to the narrative - unsettling and hinting the horror genre.

Black Screen:

• The non-diagetic sound continues.
• Diagetic sound is also introduced overlapping the soundtrack - Although not entirely clear what these sounds were, it sounded like wind, animals, screams or someone in pain. 
• Is use of dialogue when a female character screams 'Emily?!' - hints danger, pain, distress and lack of power. It specifically intrigues the audience. It seems from the diagetic sound that there is a female protagonist - a stereotypical role of a female in horror film (what is expected ).

Fades to white screen, then imagery is introduced:

• As the title of the film is shown, the screaming stops. Meanwhile the low monotones of the non-diagetic soundtrack are still present.
• Diagetic sounds of howling wind, the rustling of crops and footsteps highlight the silence surrounding the old, male character. It portrays isolation and emphasizes how alone the character is - not safe.
• As the film proceeds, the high non-diagetic tones remain, however when a character feels uneasy, the low tones are re-introduced.
• The sounds of object which are affected by the wind create squeaking, unsettling noises.
• In addition the sound of small animals and wasps hiding for safety indicates a sign of danger. This has raised the tension, and the audience now expects a climax to take place.
• Conversation only starts when the film reaches 3:00 minutes approx, demonstrating that the film has successfully built tension using imagery and sound, showing the audience of the specific codes and conventions of the horror genre.