POST #19 - SOUND [COURSEWORK]

Hey, it's Noa... ok it's Emily's post so here ya go

"Diegetic and non-diegetic music:
Music in films can either be diegetic or non-diegetic. 
When a piece of music is diegetic, the music is being played in the world of the actors. The music can be played on a radio or a phone, etc. For example, in the opening scene of 'Guardians of the galaxy', the main character 'Starlord' is seen dancing to a piece of music. The audience can hear the music played, yet it is apparent that the character can also hear it too (as the music is coming from his headphones). This piece of music is diegetic. 

When a piece of music is non-diegetic, the source of the music is not visible on screen and has not been implied to be present in the scene. This is the most common as it helps to set the scene for the audience. It primarily portrays the genre to the audience, and what they should expect. An example of non-diegetic music in an opening is in the film 'Shaun of the dead'. In the opening, there is a jolly piece of music playing over the top of the action. The characters are simply just carrying on with their movements and actions, and are not reacting to the music present. This piece of music is non-diegetic.

What are the conventions of music in film openings in the following genres?
Comedy:
Typically, comedy films have bright, upbeat music throughout their openings. This allows  the audience to immediately see the genre of the film and what it might be about. Both diegetic music and non-diegetic music can be used with excellent effect. For example, both of my previous examples ('Shaun of the dead' and 'Guardians of the galaxy') are comedies, yet they use different music techniques as one opts for diegetic music, yet the other uses non-diegetic music. Both are very effective, and show the genre of the film- they use bright happy songe to show that although there is some action in both films, the main genre is comedy. It allows the audience to immediately understand the genre of the films. 
Horror:
Most horror movies begin with dramatic, uneasy music. Usually, the music is commonly non-diegetic. This is because non-diegetic music builds the tension and pace of the film, without seeming humorous. In more 'traditional' horror films, the music is created by a band and recorded specifially for the film. However, in more conventional films, the music is created digitally. However, in both of these types of horror films, the music is dark and eerie. It is used to grip the audience right from the beginning and to show what the rest of the film is going to be like. An example of this is, in the 1980's horror film, 'The shining', the film begins on a panning scene of the countryside. This beautiful view is accompanied by a dark bassy piece of music. This is effective as it immediately 'sets the scene' for the audience and shows creates an automatic sense of unease and worry. 
Drama:
Due to the fact that there are many subsections to this genre, it is hard to stereotype the music. The soundtrack can be very varied in each drama movies due to this. For example, in the opening of 'To kill a mockingbird', there is a light, childlike piece of music playing over the top. However, in 'Fight club', the opening is accompanied by a fast-paced track. THie shows us how varied the music can be in this genre. 
Romance:Romantic films usually have a more classical soundtrack. For example, in the opening scene of the movie 'The Notebook', the openeing titles are shown over a deep red sunset. The accompanying music is a very calming piano tune. This is common and most Romance movies have classical music in their soundtrack. This is effective as it calms the audience and 'sets the scene' for the film. "

Yay for Friend Besto! :D

~ Noah :)