A sound Mixer controls the way the audience hears sound in a film, whereas a Sound Editor is in charge of a film’s dialogue, sound effects, and other sound elements. The Sound Editor has to intertwine all the sound elements together before the Sound Mixer can complete their work.

Sound is one of the most significantly utilised micro element of Dunkirk (2017, By Christopher Nolan). The Shepard tone is used within this film, to give a sense of increasing tension within the plot and action. The sound creates a psychological effect where you think that it is rising in pitch whereas it actually consists of three octaves layered to give the impression of an incline in pitch frequency. This clever technique is sued at the most pivotal moments of the film to create tension and engage the audience fully by making them anticipate the next move. The arguably most significant time it is used is when the soldiers are about to get rescued. The pitch sounds like it is getting higher, which causes the audience to stay engaged with the plot. As the audience should believe that the pitch is ascending, they would be drawn into the plot as the impatient music compliments the slow agony and almost truth of the film as the main story involves the agonising wait for rescue. By playing such a complex tone, we are tricked into believing the incline of the pitch because this expresses how the tension increases throughout the scene. Since the film tells three different stories linked together, the tone is significant in expressing the emotion entwining all three because it is used by all of them which signifies the unifying of the characters and their stories. This creates a narrative for all three stories

Another important technique used, is that of a ticking watch. The ominous sound of ticking is also used throughout the film, mainly towards the start before the bombs are dropped. This can be used to signify how time is running out for the troops, implicating the significance of their impending rescue. As the ticking continues, this creates a sense of frustration for the audience which reflects from the obvious feelings of the troops, as we awaiting the sound to finish. This shows how intense the situation would be, and reflects the anxious waiting game for the soldiers. The score is well known for the sounds alike ticking, which are used to set the pace and tension within the film. Even Nolan himself explained in an interview their aim was to create tension, stating; “it’s all about suspense and tension and not at all about emotion”. This shows how highly tension is regarded, since it ties the film together and actually tells the story through different levels of tension rising and falling.

Diegetic sound is used in various ways to create a sense of narration throughout the film. The types of sounds used, ranges from plane dips and dives, to the wild frenzy of rapid gunfire which all contribute towards the incredible storytelling of Dunkirk. The sounds contrast well against each other, as both we (the audience) and the characters can hear them. Most of them are extremely loud, which is significant in representing the overwhelming sincerity and honesty of the film because the clear sensitively shown in the retelling of the war story by showing the diegetic sounds as realistic as possible. This is extremely impactful on the audience because it tells the story through the use of what most would consider ordinary war sounds. However the loud, almost deafening flurry of bullets and whiny screech of the spitfires is vital in telling the story because it expresses the sounds experienced by the soldiers. This serves as a narrative device by ensuring verisimilitude as we are more likely to sympathize with the characters because we are experiencing the sounds that they would have heard. In general, this adds to the honesty of the film, because it is considered not too far-fetched and is realistic enough to create strong emotions based purely on the true nature of diegetic sounds. Diegetic sound is also important to the narration of the film because it unites the audience and characters as one, because we are both experiencing the same sound. Developing the relationship between the characters and audience is important because it creates sound basis for our views of them, which engages us further since we are beginning to understand and form opinions on the characters. In conclusion, diegetic sound has a profound effect on the audience as it engages us in the world of Dunkirk and ensures that the film is as honest and real as possible

The most prominent example of non-diegetic sound within the film is the Shepard tone, as well as additional background music used to create a tense and climatic atmosphere. The Shepard tone is a strong example of Amos sound builds up the ominous tension. This is very successful in creating a narrative because it tricks the audience into believing that the pitch is increasing, whereas it is staying the same. This engages us instantly, because tension is dramatically and also rapidly heightened. This portrays the anxious feelings of anticipation and terror felt by the soldiers because alike the audience, they are also waiting. Again, this develops our relationship with the characters because of further similarities. This has a strong impact on the audience because a tense atmosphere is created, which is significant as it keeps the audience engaged with the film. There is also the element of sound overtaking our actual visual perspective; since we are sometimes more focused on the illusion that we can hear as it arguably best represents the action going on than sometimes what is happening on screen. This can be argued due to the obvious intensity coherent in the illusion, which tricks us into thinking that the audio is increasing in pitch when it is in actual fact, not

In regards to specific scenes which particularly utilises sound, the opening scene is very significant in setting the scene for the importance of sound as a narrative. Mainly diegetic sounds are used throughout this scene. It begins with complete silence, setting the tone for a sombre and desolate beginning. This gives an instant implication of the fore coming tragedies. Slowly, we are introduced to mundane, diegetic sound effects such as the thump of a helmet dropping and rustling sounds. Although this seems insignificant, it gives the false impression of calmness. Soon after, the rapid fires of bullets are foregrounded and replace the diegetic sound effects. This is done effectively to heighten tension, which was built from the anticipation of growing silence.  Diegetic dialogue is backgrounded to serve as a faint distraction from the relentless gunfire, in aims of humanizing the chaos and impending death. Finally, diegetic silence is foregrounded, which expresses its significance in contrast to the loud, brash sound effects which portray the violence and death within the film. It is followed by gunfire again, which serves as a constant reminder of death and sorrow; two of the main themes within the film

Another scene which deploys effective sound uses is when the spitfire is spotted above as the soldiers are getting rescued.  The scene opens with the foregrounding of the diegetic sound effects of the loud, screechy spitfire. This is significant in establishing the tense atmosphere, as the loud, overwhelming sounds reflect the feeling of impending doom for both the characters and the reflection onto the audience.  Non-diegetic music is also played, to contrasts against the very loud diegetic sound effects because of its calmness and almost simplicity in comparison.  Next, diegetic dialogue is introduced to increase the tension by making us continue to wait for what will happen next. This is effective in regaining our attention and keeping us engaged. The music rapidly increases with pace, this keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as the tension is dramatically increased by this dramatic change of pace. The spitfire sound effects are foregrounded, to remind us of what should happen next which thus creates more suspense as we are awaiting the next move. Suddenly, the loud, diegetic screams of dialogue interrupt the spitfire effects, which adds a new element of joy and relief to the film. This impacts the audience as they view the joy and strong emotions reflected in the characters

Synchronous sound is used frequently throughout Dunkirk, to continue the natural fluidity of the film and ensure that scenes run smoothly with ease. This helps to tell the story because it avoids moments of awkwardness and perceptions of errors which allows the audience to focus their attention to the action instead. There is also the idea of synchronous sound being more aesthetically pleasing, because the sounds visually match the action. In general, synchronous sound helps the flow of the film and ensures that everything fits together so that the audience can concentrate on the action in front of them.

The ticking clock sound is a repeated motif throughout the whole film. This signifies how time is running out for the soldiers, but also everyone else connected within the film.  The three narratives within the film are linked together, despite the different time frames of which their stories occur. This is significant because it shows the importance of teamwork which is a main theme within the film. a ticking sound itself is quite an irritating sound which can be typically regarded as mundane and somewhat insignificant. However, in this case it is used to create tension due to its high frequency of being used; which makes us wait what will happen next. This adds to the eerie atmosphere as things feels out of place and strange since the ticking still continues. In conclusion, the theme of time is signified by using this motif to remind the audience of its importance

Diegetic narration is used during the final scene to remind the audience of Churchill’s final words to the nation. This is done by showing us cuts of landscapes which are described in the speech, which is effective because it reminds us of the dedication commitment and hard work put in by the soldiers. As reference to the film, it would perhaps liken the audiences favouring because it increases the reality and truth within the film which overall makes it more believable. It also does a fantastic job of telling the story because it reflects what actually happens, which excludes this film as an art of fiction. Concluding, I personally think this is one of the strongest sound elements because although it is simple, it connects sound with images to tell the story and do a brilliant job of evoking powerful emotions of understanding

The film is scored by Zimmerman, which alludes to its power due to his success with other film scores.  Mainly, underscores are used in Dunkirk to retain an element of suspense. The non-diegetic music compliments the dialogue because it does not distract us from the film, and rather allows us to focus on the action because tension is being built from the Shepard Tone effect which is used throughout. ‘Nimrod’ is adapted to pace much slower which continues to keep us engaged and furthers the incline of tension. It is slowed down to six beats per minute, perhaps to sound much more intense rather than too sentimental which could ruin the strong intensity of the film

Sound effects are used to particularly high standard in the film, especially when contrasted against the frequent, sheer silence. There are many moments of the film where tense, almost unbearable silence is broken by the most average and seemingly dull sound effect such as leaves rustling, which is suddenly transformed into highly significant because it almost brings us back to reality. I think that this tells the story of Dunkirk extremely well because it highlights and puts emphasis on the simple sounds which would also contribute towards the fear, and anticipation experienced by the soldiers