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?

Clown Train creates tension within the film, in conjunction with the flickering lights and the dialogue. The flickering lights and accompanying sound create a high level of drama within the film. The ambient noise within the film also adds to the creepy feel of the film.

While slightly different, the non-diegetic film in Jaws also creates a high level of tension within the film. The trademark soundtrack creates a unique filmic space which is specific and recognisable to the film.

Select from one of the readings, up to but not including Week 5, and briefly describe two points that you have taken from it. Points that excite you, something that was completely new to you. 

The reading I chose was Alten’s (1994) on sound design.

• “…the sound designer is responsible for the overall sound of a film or video” (Alten 1994, p.5) – I think this is incredibly important to realise, as we are just about to go into our film project. Often, the score of a film is left to last or forgotten until the last moment.
• “A trumpet or violin played loudly and rapidly at a high pitch could also suggest excitement, agitation or gaiety – perhaps agitation in deader acoustics and gaiety in livelier acoustics” – I think it is important to recognise and utilise the versatility of each instrument and what they can bring to a film

Question Three is answered on blackboard