CjB

Diegetic:

One instance of diegetic sound in “Hush” the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is when Buffy and her friend Willow pack up after class.  First of all, Buffy and Willow are engaging in a dialogue about the last few minutes of class.  This noise is being produced within the scene between the two actors and it is not voiced over after production, making it diegetic noise.  Further, the lecture hall behind these two leading characters is packing up their backpacks and books.  The sound of these extras ruffling is also audible and noise produced within the scene.  This is the scene after Buffy dreams about the demons.  It is the calm that is very characteristic of horror movies that exists inbetween scenes of horror.

Non-Diegetic:

The example of non-diegetic sound is when Buffy and Wendy first wake up in the morning after their voices have been stolen and they try to say “good morning” to one another.  The slow and creepy instrumental music is playing in the background as build up to the eerie experience they are both facing.  However, there is no noise at that moment being made by the actions taking place on the set because both of them have lost their voices.  Wendy is confused by her inability to hear and mouths “am I deaf?” to Buffy.  However, she does not produce any noise.  Further at this point both women are standing still and there is no noise being made by the movements they are making on set.  The lack of noise produced by the actions taking place on the set and the presence of music makes this non-diegetic noise.

Mise-en-scene:

The most unique representation of mise-en-scene is the shot of the voice-stealing demons when they are gliding down the dark hallway.  This is generated imagery that is central to the plot of the episode.  The camera angle is shot in a way that allows the viewer to see the demons hovering over the ground, by way of their shadows.  The makeup of these creatures is also very notable, as they no longer resemble human faces.  Further, during the scenes with the demons there is a change in the way the coloring is shot, making everything slightly more dull and dark including the faces and clothing of the other actors in the show.  This unique display of setting and scene is what characterizes the mise-en-scene.

Reflection:

Watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s episode, “Hush“. I was able to learn a lot about the different elements that play a role in Horror Film.  The aesthetic qualities of the film came to life because the lack of verbal audio heightened other senses.  This choice of film was a perfect one for the assignment because it allowed the viewer to better understand all of the aspects that make up the “horror” genre.

Further, Noel Carroll explains the complexities of the emotional responses to horror stating, “In short, there appears to be something paradoxical about the horror genre.  It obviously attracts consumers; but it seems to do so by means of the expressly repulsive.  Furthermore, the horror genre gives every evidence of being pleasurable to its audience, but it does so by means of trafficking in the very sorts of things that cause disquiet, distress, and displeasure” (275).  This complex juxtaposition of intrigue and fear is what pulls people into the genre.  The aesthetic qualities of film add to the elements explained by Carroll.