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Understanding sound in film

Sound in the past

Sound is an integral part of films now a days however sound has not always been implemented into movies. The first film to have sound included was the 'Jazz Singer' released in 1927. Silent films soon started to dissipate as the sound infused movies made a hit with audiences. This was because the audience can hear their favourite stars speak and tones of scenes can be created through sound alone; for example a scary scene would often be quiet with only certain concepts creating sound such as footsteps.

However critics at the time took longer to liken to the concept of sound in films as they stated that something was lost through music and sound. They believed that films became less cinematic and visual creativity was hampered, which is true as sound was very hard to record and use. They did not have the technology to record sounds and add it into the film after the shot had been filmed until the late 30's. This meant that all sounds had to be created and used at the same time as the shot was being filmed. Live bands often had to play whilst the shot was occurring. Certain shots could not be filmed as they had to concentrate on implementing sound and music; exciting geographical shots such as mountains and rivers were now harder to film as it was very hard to get a live band playing in such exotic areas. Background noises like wind and water were also a hassle to overcome when recording. 

The directors wouldn't be able to speak to their actors and give them advice as to how he wants them to act as their voices would be picked up in the recording. 

In modern day filming, sound and music can be carefully recorded and introduced to any part of pre-filmed footage. Silence is now very rare in films. Jean Luc Godard believed that in film, "no such thing as silence. Even when characters don't speak, there is always background noise." His 'Band a part' film in 1964 draws attention to this. 

Types of sound:

Diegetic sound - Sound that is involved in the film and is apparent in the characters world. For example a gunshot from a gun a character just fired. 

Non-Diegetic sound - more or less the opposite to Diegetic sound, this is sound that is not apparent to the characters but still involved in the film. For example background music/sound that may add a certain atmosphere or suspense. 

On-screen sound - The source of the sound can be seen in the frame. For example dialogue from a character which is in shot. 

Off-screen sound - The source of the sound cannot be seen in the frame. For example dialogue.