Sound Flashcards
How is sound used in the opening scene in the pub?
- The bell (diegetic/pleonastic sound)
- Sirens (diegetic/non-diegetic) also heard at the beginning and the end of the scene
- Ghost Town by the Specials (non-diegetic)
- Shaun eating and drinking (parallel)
- The four continuously talk over each other (dialogue)
- Liz tries to suggest her aspirations but Ed jumps in numerously (dialogue)
How is sound used in the credits scene?
- Blue Wrath by I Monster (non-diegetic sound) - plays on a rhythmic loop
- The upbeat and energetic sound deliberately contrasts with the dull and slow visual
How is sound used in the first flat scene?
- Pleonastic sounds parallel to the toilet flush, and the knife spreading toast on the sound
- The ringing of the phones and the video game - shooting in the game (diegetic)
Why is the pleonastic sound of the bell used in the opening sequence?
- Signalling the last orders at the beginning before the jump cut to Shaun and the end of the scene before the screen changes to black (cyclical structure)
- Shows that in society people are trapped in a tedious lifestyle, living in a monotonous existence
- No aspirations or dreams to break out of the perpetual cycle
Why are there sirens heard in the background in the opening sequence?
- Heard at the beginning and the end o the scene (cyclical structure)
- Signifies danger and emergency, creating an ominous and impending sense of doom
- Foreshadows what the world will be subjected to later in the film (the zombie apocalypse, Shaun’s and Liz’s breakup and Shaun’s strained relationship with his mother)
- Wright’s way of communicating how modern society is falling into a state of emergency
Why is the music Ghost Town by the Specials used in the opening scene?
- Plays on the Jukebox
- “This town is coming like a ghost town” - repetition
- Foreshadows the plot of the movie - Wright communicating what modern society is succumbing to.
In the opening sequence, why is the overlapped dialogue of the characters significant?
- They continuously talk over each other
- Shows the existing conflict in the group
In the opening sequence, why does Ed continuously interrupt Liz when she talks about her aspirations?
- She tries to suggest ideas that establish communication, similar aspirations and connection (vital parts contributing to the stability of the relationship)
- Ed jumps in numerously
- Ed indirectly interfering Shaun’s and Liz’s relationship.
What is the purpose of the song Ghost Town and why is it used in the opening sequence?
- Evokes themes of urban decay, deindustrialisation, unemployment, and violence in inner cities.
- Remembered as being a hit at the same time riots were occurring in inner British cities
- Major piece of popular social commentary serving as a protest against capitalism and an angry elegy for lost opportunity, lost youth and the loss of community and creativity.
- An impending sense of doom created by the diminished chord.
- Could be hinting that the oppression of the working class and the rise of capitalism are equally damaging for society
Why is the music (non-diegetic) Blue Wrath by I Monster playing in the credits scene?
- Allegro tempo and (fast-paced and lively) is memorable and plays on a rhythmic loop
- Cyclical structure which signifies a mundane repetition of modern life where people lack aspirations and are metaphorically enslaved by powerful institutions
- Upbeat and energetic sound deliberately contrasts with the dull and slow visuals
- Could be used to contrast the false ideology of a capitalist lifestyle and portray the grim reality (similar to propaganda)
in Shaun’s flat scene, why are the pleonastic sounds of the teeth brushing, toilet flush and knife spreading used?
- Emphasises the monotony of Shaun’s morning routine
- He is a slave to routine
Why are the diegetic sounds of the phones ringing and the shooting in the video game used?
- Presents how Shaun and Ed are metaphorically enslaved by technology
- Distracts them from adult responsibility
- Technology is commonly used for teenage representations - caught between transitionary stage of childhood and adulthood
How is sound used during Shaun’s work sequence?
- Kernkraft 400 by Zombie Nation playing on the bus (non-diegetic /parallel)
- “You’ve got red on you.” (diegetic/synchronous dialogue)
Why is Kernkraft 400 by Zombie Nation playing in on the bus during Shaun’s work sequence?
- Strengthens the idea that human behaviour in mundane society is synonymous with that of a zombie
- Wright’s song choice complements the visuals on screen
- runs parallel to behaviour of passengers (mindless)
Why is the dialogue “You’ve got red on you” said twice during Shaun’s work sequence?
Could imply that Shaun is slowly and unconsciously resisting capitalism which is becoming more and more evident (matching his tie which symbolises the labour party).
