Non-Diegetic Example:
An example from the Buffy episode of non-diegetic sound (a sound that is not visible on screen) is beginning at 13:20, when the scene changes, and eery music begins playing. They show a clock, and then some hands opening a box. Next, whispers begin in the background of the music, and the camera continues panning around the room, with no commentary going on. This is an example of non-diegetic sound because no one was visibly seen playing the music, and the whispering was not coming from a particular character. It was setting the mood, giving the viewer a feeling of unrest, or that something creepy was soon about to happen. It was setting up the following scene using specific sounds. This example definitely contributed to the aesthetic of horror for this video. The sounds used made the environment seem dark and scary, and if the volume was up quite loud, it would be very frightening when the music and especially whispering began to play.
Diegetic Example:
Diegetic sound is the voices of characters seen on screen, or any sounds/music that you can physically see on the screen, otherwise known as “actual sound”. The entire episode consists of many examples of diegetic sound, but the scene I chose begins around 21:00, when all the characters realize they are unable to use their voice. It goes back to Riley, as he is working with a lady on a computer system to communicate how to fix the outbreak. The lady uses her computer, as you can hear her typing (the keyboard “clicking” noises), and the computer responding by reading out loud everything she types. This is an example of diegetic sound because you can clearly see where the sounds are coming from, this time my example is referring to the noises made by the objects (keyboard, computer, writing on paper, etc.). I think that this example did not necessarily contribute to the aesthetics of horror for this episode. The conversation was simply a necessary component of the plot, where the characters are trying to create a game plan for how they will get their voices back, and I wouldn’t say the way the diegetic sound was played is related to horror, it was more like a build up of the rest of the episode.
Mise-En-Scene Example:
An example of mise-en-scene (production designs, color, lighting, etc.) from the Buffy episode is right around 34:00, when Riley enters the house, carrying a gun, and then immediately after walking through the door, gets into a fight, and weapons are pulled out on both sides. This is an example of mise-en-scene because the props set up the scene to be a dramatic, and physical encounter. There is aggression displayed, as they both are fighting and purposefully trying to injure one another. I think this example of mise-en-scene contributes to the aesthetics of horror due to the lightening, props, and movements that occurred. The lighting is dim, and the camera shows only Riley as he slowly walks into a house, where there is hardly any lights on, and carrying a weapon.
Your first example is one that I thought a lot of people might pick. It was a great scene that added a lot of suspense and mystery to the episode. We only find out later exactly what it was that happened. The creepy music along with everyone having what looked like their souls sucked out of their mouths added to the horror aesthetic for sure.
Diagetic sound in this episode I feel was really important. Even though your example doesn’t add to horror, I think that it was important. It was a reminder that they couldn’t talk with each other, and setting up in the room with the computer speaking for her made the woman look like a leader almost instantly. If she was the only one who could “talk” then she held a lot of power. It was also a clever way to get around their problem.
Your last example is interesting to me. I wouldn’t have picked a fight scene myself, but it does show a lot. Even without words, we all know what is happening because of what is happening on screen. We can see emotions and intentions even though they don’t verbally express them.
I used the same scene for a non-diegetic example. You did a great job describing the characteristics that made this scene aesthetically horrifying. It’s interesting to me that you pointed out that it would be more frightening if the video volume was turned up louder. To what extent does volume have an effect on the suspense and horror created for the audience? I found this youtube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYlNa2vFHso) that shows a video with and without non-diegetic sounds. It is amazing how significant of an impact the sounds have on creating suspense and thrill for the audience. Non-diegetic sounds are a critical convention used to engage the audience whether it’s for in to create comedy or humor.
The diegetic sounds in this video were very symbolic, especially the “clicking” noises of the keyboard and computer like you mentioned. I do disagree with you that these aspects don’t contribute to the aesthetic of horror. I think that these sounds are used as a symbol to emphasize the fact that the characters have lost their voices. In the video, you cannot hear silence except for the clicking noises or the ringing of the phone. For me, these diegetic sounds made the video even creepier and more thrilling.