Silent films VS films from our time - Research Paper Example

Sound design is one of the most noticeable and transformative elements of film art due to its capacity to heighten the emphasis of other film elements such as the Mise-en-scene and Editing. Accordingly, this research studies the sound design of Metropolis and LOTR with the intention of identifying the influence of sound design on the overall structure of the films. Basically, this research contends that Metropolis and LOTR have similar usage of sound film as a supporting aspect of the action-filled characters and events in the two films. 2.0.

Film Sound In filmmaking, film sound includes the process of creating and manipulating sounds; it covers both the technical and creative aspects of audio presentation that may contribute to the overall effect of the film (Dakic, 2009, p. 1). For instance, filmmakers may create new sets of sounds that could backup their preferred videos and images appropriately while they could also alter existing sound to achieve their desired effects. In discussing the significance of sound design, Pramaggiore and Wallis (2005) state that sound design is a vital aspect of filmmaking, both in the Silent and Contemporary film periods, because of its capacity to extend the story of the film even without lengthening the dialogues of the characters (p. 209). For instance, any subtle, or explicit changes in the sound effects either corresponds to changes in the mood of the characters, or even signals a forthcoming, unexpected event in the film.

Consequently, Dakic (2009) mentions that such an influence of sound design in cinemas contributes to the overall interplay of cinematic elements such as dialogues, characters, and events while maintaining little attention to itself as a cinematic element, as well (p. 1). According to King (1996), silent films still use sounds, regardless of the misconceptions about the lack of sound effects of the said film genre (p. 31). In addition, King (1996) explains that such misconceptions are rooted in the prevalence of synchronized audio-visual imagery in today’s contemporary films wherein audio recordings and videos are successfully edited and integrated to form the overall visual and auditory reality of the film.

Instead, King (1996) contends that Silent Film uses sounds as the primary aspect that helps audience understand the emotional impact of the film, considering that the conversations of the characters are not audible enough for the audience to hear. Relatively, Silent Films rely heavily on the expressionist actions of the actors, as well as the live performances of the musical ensembles in the cinema. Contemporary action films also highlight the role of sound film in the overall impact of the movie.

In the words of Sergi (2005), the significance of sound film rises to prominence along with the invention of digital audio technologies wherein the audience derive insights from the subtle changes in the sound effects, as much as changes in the personalities and actions of the characters (p. 3). In modern films, film sound functions as an integral part of the movie; it fills the silence and gaps while it also supports the transitions of videos. It also has a significant emotive impact that is similar to its usage during the Silent Film period.

For instance, modern filmmakers emphasize the interplay between videos and sounds, particularly in foreshadowing certain cinematic events, as well as aiding the visual