In this individual research, I chose a film focused on family connection, fun, and mature coming-of-age themes. I then performed a deep analysis and research on the different types of sound used in the film and the impact this had on its meaning.
Film: Yes Day
Sound Notes:
Opening scene of a little girl running across a dock with a voiceover of the main character.
Melodic, non-diegetic music is played in the background as we float through her life.
Synchronous sound of her as a mother saying “no” to her children numerous times.
A sound bridge where Allison speaks on the phone in a shot of her coming down the stairs and carrying over to her in the kitchen making breakfast.
Dialogue between the family members
The ambient sound of each family member doing something different in the kitchen (talking on the phone, grabbing a glass, pouting juice, whining, etc.)
Incidental, intense non-diegetic music played in the background as the child counts down his “waffle volcano” explosion.
Two sound bridges of the husband talking to his wife as the camera shoots from the mother standing at the fridge to him speaking, and again from his son to him as he speaks and the dialogue of sound is carried over.
Sound effects of the waffle volcano finally exploding and spilling with a squelching, discordant, diegetic sound as the batter falls onto the mother.
Diegetic sound as the father plays fun music for his daughter in the car together, they can both hear the sound.
Sound effect of the car pulling out of the driveway
Sound mixing of the son and daughter arguing with Allison and the speeding car noises in the background at the same time.
How does it provide the audience with narrative information?
The sound in the movie “Yes Day” uses a lot of tools to give narrative information to the audience. Dialogue helps us see Allison’s character, thoughts, emotions, and relationships with her partner and her family. Sound and sound effects create a sense of realism and immerse the audience in the film when Allison hops onto an ongoing tram or waffle batter explodes on her outfit. Music also sets the mood and evokes emotions and underscore the theme of the film-that Allison loves saying “yes.”
What emotional responses are induced in the audience?
Emotional responses that are induced in the audience include a carefree, relaxed, and fun feel when the melodic and uplifting music is played in the background as we are immersed into Allison’s life. The synchronous sound of Allison suddenly saying “no” multiple times provides a stark contrast to the carefree moments before and brings a negative emotional response to the audience. The sound of the waffle batter exploding and spilling onto Allison’s outfit in the discordant sound makes the audience feel disgusted and empathy for the character who got batter on her outfit. Lastly, the sound mixing in the car scene where the sounds of the children arguing, the mother singing, and the car speeding with the engine revving are used to create an overwhelming emotional response from the audience.
I included a link to the movie clip I watched below:
Movie Clip Link:
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