Sound Design in Filmmaking: Diegetic vs. Non-Diegetic Sound

Introduction

• Importance of sound design in filmmaking
• Two main categories: Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound

Diegetic Sound

• Definition: Sound within the world of the film that characters can hear
• Examples:
  • Atmospheric sounds: weather, vehicles, weapons
  • Music from within the film
  • Dialogue and some forms of voice-over (internal diegetic sound)
• Functions:
  • Establishes and creates the world around the characters
  • Off-screen sounds can expand the setting beyond the frame
  • Manipulated to represent characters' perspectives or mental states
  • Breaking diegetic sound expectations can create impactful moments (e.g., "The Last Jedi", "A Clockwork Orange")

Non-Diegetic Sound

• Definition: Sound that characters cannot hear, intended solely for the audience
• Examples:
  • Sound effects
  • Musical score
  • Narration (if the narrator plays no role in the film)
• Functions:
  • Enhances motion, movement, and intensity
  • Used for comedic effects
  • Plays a crucial role in the film experience (e.g., "Interstellar", "Up", "Black Panther")

Trans-Diegetic Sound

• Definition: Sound that transitions between diegetic and non-diegetic
• Examples:
  • Mel Brooks films where music transitions between non-diegetic and diegetic
  • "Raising Arizona" - the wind sound transitions from diegetic to non-diegetic
  • "Birdman" - drums transition from non-diegetic to diegetic
  • "George of the Jungle" - diegetic and non-diegetic sound blend completely
• Functions:
  • Blurs lines between fantasy and reality
  • Adds layers to storytelling by subverting expectations

Creative Exceptions

• Examples:
  • "American Beauty" - narration from a disembodied spirit
  • "Goodfellas" - narration/tender moments that blur diogesis
  • "Psycho" - internal monologue as a separate personality
  • "Joker" and "La La Land" - internal music of character blending with diegetic sound
  • "Magnolia" - ensemble sings along to non-diegetic song
• Observations:
  • These examples occupy multiple realms, enhancing the narrative impact

Conclusion

• Sound design is as crucial as cinematography and editing in storytelling
• Encouragement to listen to movies as closely as we watch them

Additional Resources

• Links to more videos on sound design and storytelling
• Recommendation to use pre-production software like StudioBinder to plan sound design