Diegetic Sound
Created on : December 23, 2023 13:41
Denotation
Diegetic sound is any sound that originates from the world of a film. A very simple way to think about diegetic sound is to think of it as that could make sound in the world of a film. If the characters can hear it, it's diegetic. The sound doesn't have to be featured on-screen. In fact, many diegetic sounds are not shown on-screen. Say there’s an emergency and an ambulance is called. The corresponding siren sound would be diegetic, even if it’s not shown on screen. This is because it’s a natural sound of the film world.
Description
Diegetic sound in cinema refers to the sounds within a film's narrative world that characters can hear. These sounds originate from sources within the story and are part of the film's fictional reality. Diegetic sound is distinguished from non-diegetic sound which includes elements like musical scores and voiceovers that exist outside the characters' perception. Diegetic sounds are an integral part of the storytelling process in cinema, contributing to the overall immersive experience for the audience.
These sounds can be categorized into various types:
Dialogues:
Conversations between characters are a fundamental form of diegetic Sound. Whether it's a hushed whisper or a heated argument dialogues convey essential information about the characters, plot and relationships.
Ambient Sounds:
Background noises such as traffic, footsteps, birds chirping or wind blowing are diegetic sounds that create a sense of realism. They help establish the setting and atmosphere making the fictional world more convincing.
Environmental Sounds:
Sounds that emanate from specific objects or elements within the story such as doors creaking, machines humming or water flowing contribute to the overall sensory experience. These sounds are often crucial in building tension or emphasizing a particular moment.
Music Played In-World:
Sometimes characters in a film may listen to music through devices like radios, stereos or live performances. The music becomes Diegetic when it is acknowledged within the story and is heard by the characters in the film.
Character-Generated Sounds:
Actions by characters such as footsteps, gunshots, or the Rustling of clothing are diegetic sounds. These sounds not only add to the realism but can also be used creatively to enhance dramatic or suspenseful moments.
Diegetic sound serves several storytelling purposes:
World Building:
By incorporating realistic sounds that characters would naturally hear, filmmakers can establish the film's world and make it more relatable to the audience.
Emotional Impact:
The use of diegetic sound can evoke specific emotions. For example, the sound of a baby crying or a phone ringing can create tension or suspense.
Character Development:
The way characters interact with and respond to diegetic sounds can reveal aspects of their personalities, emotions or relationships.
Narrative Clarity:
Diegetic sounds help convey essential information ensuring that the audience can follow the story and understand the characters' motivations.
In summary, diegetic sound in cinema is a crucial element that enhances storytelling by grounding the audience in the fictional world and providing a sensory experience that complements the visual narrative. It adds depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to the cinematic experience making it an indispensable tool for filmmakers.