This week’s reading, by Theo van Leeuwen and Jan Roberts-Breslin, focused on sound. My interest has always more been with visuals, so the readings raised some interesting points I had not previously considered.

Van Leeuwen’s theory relates to perspective, and how this hierarchizes elements of sound. According to the three stage plan, soundtracks can be hierarchized into figure [the focus of interest], ground [the setting or context], and field [the background.] The listening exercise in today’s lecture definitely highlighted how these three stages work together and can be manipulated to stimulate an audience.

Sound is definitely a powerful tool. Our sense of hearing is constantly working; we are unable to consciously turn it off. As Roberts-Breslin outlines, it is equally important as visuals, if not more important, in film and TV. Without sound, the narrative is difficult to make out, but without visuals and just sound, the audience is inspired to create visuals in their minds, and the narrative is still relayed.

Moreover, sound is also a physical medium. You can feel its vibrations – especially obvious when standing in front of a speaker at a concert (something my poor ears have experienced too many times.) It is also intimate. We speak more softly to those within our personal distance rather than those with whom we have formal and public relationships. The quality of voice or sound can reveal emotion to the listener.

Going forward, I hope that I can learn how to utilise sound effectively in my future media practices. As I expressed in my reflection for Project Brief Two, I was disappointed with the quality of sound I was able to record, and it let down the quality of my film.