Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show

Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show - Person Holding Microphone

Truman, trying to escape Seahaven, crashes his sailing boat into the studio's wall.

In anger and confusion he punches and elbows the wall repeatedly. However, we are unable to hear the diegetic sound. All we can hear is the music score, which is noticeably louder.

What is the name of this technique?

Reference Scene:

(I've seen such techniques before, like when a character experiences a mental breakdown, and diegetic sound is muffled or simply cannot be heard.)



Best Answer

What is the name of this technique?

AFAIK, there's no term that specifically describes the amount of diegetic to non-diegetic sound in a particular scene. In general though, the sound technique that's used in the OP's reference scene is referred to as "background music", where the non-diegetic sound is used to enhance the atmosphere of the scene.

Another classic film that jumps from one extreme to the other is Jaws.

Notice how the scene begins with only diegetic sound, and then once the camera takes the perspective of the shark it sharply changes to just background music. During/after the attack it then blends the two together, functioning to assist in combining the perspective of the shark with that of the beach-goers.

Of course the balance of diegetic to non-diegetic sound is extremely important and can subconsciously guide the audience, however, I don't believe there's an industry term to reference this shifting from one to the other (or of completely replacing diegetic with non-diegetic sound).




Pictures about "Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show"

Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show - Back view of anonymous male artist playing acoustic guitar and singing song on stage during concert in dark club
Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show - Self assured young bearded male DJ in trendy leather jacket adjusting headphones while performing music on stage in dark illuminated nightclub
Identifying Audio Film Technique - The Truman Show - Man in Black Shirt Using An Audio Mixer



What film techniques are used in The Truman Show?

Techniques such as lighting, music, camera shots and angles are used in three specific scenes throughout the film co-ordinated by the shows director Christof. He uses these techniques to encourage the show's audience to believe that what they are watching is unscripted and real.

How is sound used in The Truman Show?

In The Truman Show, the effects of the military marching, thunderstorm and piano music are significant because they reinforce the course of the narrative by supporting the visuals. The sound of marching sets the scene and emphasizes the unsettling mood of searching for Truman Burbank.

What are sound techniques in film?

Sound Techniques in Film
  • Extra Diegetic. Sound.
  • Effects. Extra-diegetic sounds are the extra sound in films that don't originate from a prominent source. ...
  • Non-Diegetic. ...
  • Voiceovers. ...
  • Dubbing. ...
  • Soundtrack. ...
  • Diegetic Sounds. ...
  • Sound Techniques in Film.


How are camera angles used in The Truman Show?

The low angle camera shot, used very frequently, could symbolize Truman's power and fame, which he has no real knowledge of. Another purpose of the low angle shot is to create a sense of disorientation for the audience. Much like Truman, we are left dazed and confused by the action that occurs on screen.



The Truman Show (1998) - Truman inizia a sospettare (2/7)




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