Film/TV1 – Analysis & Reflection 2 – Question 1

In the film Clown Train how does sound contribute to the atmosphere of this film? Describe what you heard? Can you make reference to another genre film and how they utilise sound to create tension and a unique filmic space?

To complete this task, I listened to the film ‘clown train’ without watching the video. Here is a list of what I heard.

– Trains brakes coming to a halt.
– Deep bass
– ‘Worldly’ sounds – cars in the background, hum of lights.
– Electricity cutting out – buzzing.
– Very distant (what I would describe as hallow, and creepy) music.
– Gushing/Whooshing of Wind.
– Tense music, building up to the ending.

These sounds completely create the atmosphere for this film. Not only do they set the mood, but they have also been created to they fit the space – they create a sense of space. When the sounds are played, they have an almost echoing effect to them, giving the audience the sense of where they are – in a metal, hallow, empty train carriage. In relation to the mood, these sounds entirely work for the film. They are intense – like they are building up to something. They are creepy – just like the clown. The audience knows they have to be afraid. They can’t help but be afraid.

Another genre film that utilises sound to create tension and a filmic space, would be action films. Although personally I believe all genres of films have the ability to create tension and unique filmic spaces through the use of sounds. Even in Romance! I have found a scene from The Avengers (I would classify this as an Action genre), where Steve and Tony are in a heated discussion. The sound used (especially the building of the heartbeat) creates tension, while the lack of sound from fellow characters in the room allows for the viewer to be purely focused on the two in discussion, intensifying the argument.