Podcast Erika Boswell and Molly Kennedy

This is a podcast episode discussing the importance of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in cinema. Diegetic sounds are those that come from within the world of the film, while non-diegetic sounds are added during post-production. Both types of sounds play crucial roles in storytelling and enhance the viewer's experience. Examples from various movies are given to illustrate their impact. It is concluded that both types of sounds are equally important and work together harmoniously to create a powerful cinematic experience. The episode ends with a reminder to appreciate the intricate dance of sound and image in movies. Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Movie and Film Nerds, where we explore the fascinating world of sound and film. I'm your host, Erika, and joining me today is my awesome co-host, Molly. Hey, everyone. Glad to be here to dive into this fascinating topic. Picture this. You're sitting in a darkened theater, popcorn in hand, ready to be transported to another world. But have you ever stopped to think about the sounds that grab your attention? Listeners, as we embark on a thrilling exploration of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in cinema, from the roar of engines in action-packed thrillers to the whispered confessions of lovers, we'll look into the art of sound design and uncover the secrets behind the magic of the movies. Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are essential elements of cinematic storytelling. Diegetic sound originates within the world of the film, meaning the character is coherent. Diegetic sound is any sound that comes naturally from the world of the video. Basically, if you were a character in a film, any of the noises that you could hear in that scene would be classified as diegetic. This includes on-screen things like dialogue, along with off-screen audio like sirens, footsteps, chatter, applauses, and more. I'm going to play an example of a diegetic sound for you guys, so you make sure to listen closely. Our coverage of this breaking story begins with Erica and Jessica Abo at the scene. That's right. We're standing here with two eyewitnesses who are going to tell us what they just saw. So tell us, how do you think Spider-Man did it? How do you think he beat this creature? Yeah, it's got to be rubberized. Spidey suit, that's why he didn't get electrocuted. I'm going to give you a little visualization to help you understand better. Okay, so the clip I just played is from Mark Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. In this clip, Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, is lying on his bed watching the news on the TV. We can hear the TV, and so can Peter Parker. Thus, this is making it a diegetic sound. On the other hand, non-diegetic sounds exist outside the story world, and they're typically added during post-production. Sometimes called commentary or non-literal sound, non-diegetic sound is any type of sound that does not specifically exist within the world of the film itself. In other words, it's the type of sound that characters in a film are not able to hear, but we, the audience, can. Examples include musical scores, voiceovers, and sound effects that heighten emotion or create atmosphere, but are not perceived by the characters. I'm going to play an example of non-diegetic sound for you, so listen again closely. I'm sure most of you guys have heard that music before and know where it's from. But if you don't, that's from the movie Jaws. In the video, we get to see a point of view from the shark's eyes swimming up to a swimmer's legs. As the shark gets closer to the legs, the volume and intensity of the music increases. This adds atmosphere and sets the tone of the movie. The music is considered non-diegetic because only the audience and the viewers can hear it. Nobody in the movie can hear it, not even the shark. Both types of sound serve crucial roles in shaping the viewer's experience and enhancing the narrative, but which is more important? That's the question we're going to be exploring today. I'll argue that diegetic sound reigns supreme in the realm of cinematic immersion. When the sound originates from within the story world, it grounds the audience in the film's reality, making the experience more believable. While I understand the importance of diegetic sound, I contend that non-diegetic sound holds equal significance, if not more. Non-diegetic elements, such as musical scores, can evoke powerful emotions and guide the viewer's interpretation of the narrative. A recent example of the clever use of diegetic sound is in the film A Quiet Place. In this horror movie, silence becomes a character itself, heightening the tension and drawing us into the character's desperate struggle for survival. Another horror example is the movie Get Out. The silence punctuated by sudden bursts of sound keep us on the edge of our seats, creating tension and suspense with each passing moment. Yeah, it's pretty incredible how the absence of sound can speak volumes. On the flip side, let's talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those epic battle scenes wouldn't be the same without radiant non-diegetic music pumping us up. Absolutely. Take Avengers Endgame, for instance. The swelling orchestral score during the final battle amplifies the emotional stakes and leaves us on the edge of our seats. And what about the use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in films like Baby Driver? The protagonist's love for music drives the narrative, blurring the lines between what's happening on screen and what's happening through our speakers. And let's not forget about musicals. In La La Land, the vibrant non-diegetic soundtrack elevates the emotional beats of the story, turning everyday moments into magical music numbers. It's a symphony of sound and storytelling, seamlessly woven together to create a masterpiece. These examples demonstrate the power of sound in storytelling, proving that it's not just what we see on screen, but what we hear that truly immerses us in the world of cinema. But let's not overlook animation. In Disney's movie Moana, the ocean itself becomes the character, with its roaring waves and tunes guiding Moana on her great journey. So where does that leave us? Which is more important, diegetic or non-diegetic sound? Hmm, it's a tough call, but I'd argue that both are essential. Diegetic sound grounds us in the film's reality, while on the other hand, non-diegetic sound adds layers of emotion and meaning. Agreed. It's not a competition between the two. Rather, it's about how they complement each other to create a rich and immersive cinematic experience. Erika, that right there, that's the beauty of film. It's a collaborative art form where every single element, including sound, plays a crucial role in storytelling. Agreed. As our cinematic journey comes to a close, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact of sound in shaping our movie-watching experiences. From the earliest days of silent films to the most recent movies ever created, sound has been an essential component of storytelling, improving our understanding, increasing emotions, and connecting us to the characters and the world on screen. Whether we're captivated by the sinister tune of a detective movie or caught up in the excitement of a big summer movie, it's amazing how sound can take us new places, bring back memories, and make us feel things in these movies we never expected to feel. Even beyond entertainment, the production of sound design reminds us of the endless creativity and innovation that defines the world of cinema. It's collaborative effort that brings together composers, sound engineers, directors, and actors, and much more, each contributing to their unique talents to create a symphony of sound that resonates with audiences everywhere, anytime, and anyplace. It really is crazy how much work goes into the sound production. So, guys, next time you find yourself lost in the magic of a movie, take a moment to really appreciate the intricate dance of sound and image, the delicate balance of diegetic and non-diegetic elements that make cinema such a powerful and immersive form of art. So, wrapping up this episode, while diegetic and non-diegetic sound both play crucial roles in cinematic storytelling, neither can be deemed inherently more important than the other. Instead, it's about how harmonious they are together. The integration that they have elevates the art form and captivates audiences worldwide. Well said, Erica. Well said. And there you have it, folks. The debate between diegetic and non-diegetic sound continues to enrich our cinematic experiences, reminding us of the endless creativity and complexity of filmmaking. Thank you for tuning in. And remember, please, next time, keep your ears open when you're at the movies. Yes, guys, thank you for tuning in. Really, really, really, really, really appreciate it. And as always, feel free to reach out with any thoughts or questions. We love hearing from you guys. Yes, indeed. Until next time, this is Molly and Erica signing off from the Movie and Film Nerds podcast. Take care and stay tuned for more film-related discussion. And in the comments section, don't forget to comment