At the 2:05 mark, there is a sound of a girl voice singing. This is an example of non-diagetic sound as it’s source is not visible on screen. Further, it’s a sound/singing effect that contributes to the story line. The non-diagetic sound contributes to the aesthetic of horror in this situation because it alludes to a suspense that will scare viewers. It then becomes a diagetic scene as she is shown later in the scene. Also at the 22:05 mark, there is a sound of breaking of glass that it off camera. This is an example of another non-diagetic sound that is also adding suspense and potential horror.
An example of a diagetic scene is at 22:45. We see a door opening out of a room. It makes a creaking sound that makes a very audible creaking sound that most old doors make. The sound is visible on screen and is present through action of the film. This adds to the suspense of horror because usually if one is alone and one hears the sound of creakiness, the person may feel some sort of anxiety.
An example of mise-en-scene occurs in the beginning when Buffy and the male character kiss each other. As they kiss the lighting turns dark and the “sun” goes down. Using mise-en-scene the director is able to set the scene and alert the audience to cues towards the plot, without using dialogue. This is also accompanied with the girl singing adding the the sense of horror.
Dexter, I really enjoyed your response. You did a good job of deciphering the Buffy the Vampire Slayer clip. In talking about non-diagetic sound. When you said that, “the non-diagetic sound contributes to the aesthetic of horror.” I liked how you talked about how the non-diagetic sound alludes to a suspense that scares the viewers. Also, in the second scene the example the diagetic scene with the sound of a door creaking and how this also adds to the suspense of horror. I was wondering what you thought about these queues in movies? Also do you notice them now that you have learned these things?
I also used the girl singing as an example in my post. The touch on suspense was good, you can tell when Buffy slowly walks around the corner to find out who is singing and/or why. But I think the words she is singing is something to be touched on. However, it isn’t the simple fact that she is singing. Little girls singing is generally not something horrific. The dim lighting and the fact she is standing all alone in an empty (now) church is creepy. It’s a mixture of mise-en-scene as well. All of the factors together create suspense and thrill. As far as the creaking door, that is a typically horror movie scene. I also used the opening scene as my example. I liked your comment about how the director cues to the audience without sound, that the scene and plot are changing. That is a good concept to explain.
hi Dexter! I like your example of diegetic sound. As you said, “The sound is visible on screen and is present through action of the film.” We can see the action and hear the sound at the same time. I think it makes the audience feel like they are in the real situation. Also, I think diegetic sound is very important to a film particularly creating sound effects in a movie theater. When we go to a movie theater, the diegetic sound can directly attract people’s attention and bring them into the scene’s mood.