The document discusses terminology for different types of sound sources used in films. It defines diegetic sounds as those originating from within the film's world, including dialogue and ambient sounds, while non-diegetic sounds come from outside the film's world, such as voiceovers and scores. It provides examples of how different sound sources like Darth Vader's breathing, scores in Jaws, and songs on soundtracks can be used to characterize figures, set tone, and convey meaning. The document encourages analyzing how sound sources work together to tell a story.

1. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Incidental music
(background music)
Dialogue (speech)
A song
Voice-over
Sound effects such as traffic noise

2. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Diegetic
Originates from within the film’s
world - Diegesis means story.
• Dialogue (speech)
• Ambient sounds (sound effects
– weather, traffic etc.)
Non - Diegetic
Originates from outside the film’s
world.
• Voice-overs
• Incidental music/score

3. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Darth Vader’s distinctive
breath and James Earl Jones
deep voice set him up to be
the antagonist of the film.
The score in Jaws becomes a motif for
the shark, representing it as the
antagonist, but also suggesting its
presence. This is cleverly played with
by Steven Spielberg.
Diegetic
Non-Diegetic

4. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Non-Diegetic
The incidental music is
specifically written to
create a response from the
audience and guide their
emotions. This might be to
unsettle then, create a
sense of action or to stir
up emotions in a tearful
scene.

5. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
InternalDiegetic
The sound originates
from inside the
character’s head,
making it diegetic,
even though it is not
heard by others.
This is commonly used
to hear character’s
thoughts, but in this
instance becomes a
main part of the film.

6. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Diegetic
The ambient sounds
here place the action in
a particular setting,
which is important to
the narrative. It also
helps with the tone of
the scene.

7. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Non-Diegetic
The voice-over
provides important
information about
the narrative and
character that we do
not get from the
images.
Here we find out
about Henry’s life
and how the mob
system in his

8. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)
Non-Diegetic
The song is used in
this scene to not
only inform us that
Bridget is single, but
it also sets up how
she is feeling and
therefore informs
the sad tone of the
opening scene.

9. To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)Diegetic
The off-screen
sound moves
the narrative
forward by
indicating a
character has
arrived. This
also creates
tension as we
cannot see
him.

10. Watch the clip individually and make notes…
1. First identify the different sources of sound.
2. Then describe it – what is the sound? What qualities
does it have? (see sheet for guidance)
3. Finally, explain how it is used in the scene. What
effect does it have?
Then get together in your group to develop your analysis.
Present this analysis to the class.
To be able to identify sound sources using correct terminology and describe its use (level 2)
To be able to explain sound sources using correct terminology, focusing on their effect (level 3)
To be able to evaluate sound sources using correct terminology, analysing how they work together to create meaning (level 4)