In this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer an example of the use on diegetic sound would be in Buffy’s daydream during her lecture at the beginning of the episode. This scene shows Buffy walking down a dark corridor towards a little girl in a red dress singing an ominous chant that contributes to the aesthetic of horror for the video by foreshadowing events to come in the episode. Another example of diegetic sound in this episode would be the voice emitted from Riley’s boss’ computer since she also lost the ability to speak, while this does not add the aesthetic of horror it does demonstrate the impact that the people of Sunnydale losing their voice has on the ability of the people in control of its safety to operate.
An example of the usage of non-diegetic sound would be the background music that played as the building with the large clock is shown and a creepy character can be seen opening a box that appears to take the people of the town’s voices. This adds to the aesthetics of horror by informing the audience of the severity and intensity of the situation the characters face. An example of non-diegetic sound use that does not contribute to the aesthetics of horror in this video would be at the beginning of Buffy’s daydream where she dreams that she is kissing Riley and background mood music can be heard. The music that plays in the background when the floating characters exit the previously mentioned building and descend upon the town adds to the aesthetic of horror because the choice of music informs the audience that the presence of these characters is something to be feared.
In this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the fact that the characters lose their voices causes them to express themselves through other creative forms. An example of mise-en-scene in this episode that contributed to the overall aesthetic of horror would be when Riley and his friend were trapped in the elevator and believed they were going to be killed because their voices couldn’t be verified. The characters’ expression of panic during this scene added to the sense of suspense and horror at the thought that these major characters could die. Another example of mise-en-scene in this episode would be the way the characters that stole the town’s voices float above the ground and the way the characters that walk on the ground move as well as look. These aspects contribute to the aesthetics of horror in this episode by showing the viewers that these characters are not normal and allows them to conclude that they are evil and have bad intentions that cause the audience to feel suspense when these characters are shown.
Whedon, Josh (Writer), & Whedon, Josh (Director). (Dec 14, 1999). Hush [Television series episode]. Mutant Enemy Productions (producer), Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Los Angeles, CA: Warner Bros Studio.
The elevator scene was probably my favorite scene from this episode. It, along with many other scenes, shows how different it can be when the characters can’t audibly display their fear. It was all facial expressions which was pretty cool, and probably took a good bit of acting skill to portray that. I liked the elevator scene especially, because as soon as the computer asked for voice recognition, you knew they were going to be in a really tough spot. I thought that it was funny too as soon as they got out everyone just kinda scolded them for taking the elevator instead of the stairs.
Why do you think the chanting of the little girl is forshadowing horror. Why do you think the director chose a little girl to forshadow the horror that was coming up in the future? I Feel like in real life we never see girls just singing creepy songs, there always fun and happy such as ring around the rosie. Do you think the director of this episode picked something that people never see in real life, pick something that is more unusual to the eye to for-shadow horror?
The parts when they lose all there voices, I think did as well allow them the characters to express fear in different ways, which did add to the suspense and horror of the film. Which I think was a great way to add the aesthetic horror to the film. Like you said it allowed them to express them selves in other “creative forms”.
What do you think adds to the Aesthetic horror more? The use of Diagetic or non diagetic sounds?