ISSUE 5

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Lecture number three was interesting, for we were able to analyse sound production in a number of short clips. The intensity of sound and the point of audition were two points I found intriguing. 

In the clip of In The Line Of Fire, in which Clint Eastwood's character has a conversation with the disguised voice of John Malkovitch, we see Clint's character enter his apartment from the street, throw off his jacket, turn on the television and pour himself a drink, all before answering the phone. It is not only the rich soundscape created with the foley work (shoes on the ground, a coat being thrown down, a remote's click etc), but the music which gives the scene the mood required. As the key of the soundtrack changes from major to minor, the scene becomes sinister and the audience feels the tension tighten almost instantly. It is very effective. I watched another clip of the film on Youtube in which John Malkovitch and Clint Eastwood have an intense conversation over the phone. For the first time, I listened to how the tone of each voice changed as the perspective of the audience changed, altering to the character we could see. 

Which brings me to perspective. I had never thought about how the sound could be manipulated to intensify as the source of sound grows closer to the audience. It all adds to creating an absorbing experience for the audience member. 

The lecture also covered Design. Antonioni's work is incredibly beautiful. The composition is perfect in every frame. It's all so considered - every angle, piece of clothing, prop. It's really visually sumptuous in an understated way. It's subtle. His work doesn't use gaudy colours or brash visual tricks to impress the viewer. 

After this lecture, I have started to think about camera angle/height as well as soundscape in a new way. In post, it's simply brought my attention to the detail needed to create a good film.