Dunkirk uses sound very as a way to separate itself to similar movies while bringing verisimilitude to the scene to make Nolan’s take on the subject is as close and accurate as possible. They use it in a way where the audience can feel the certain emotions these people would have feeled in these situations.
Sound is used as device by Christoper Nolan and Hans Zimmer, by giving a range of verisimilitude sounds to the props and vehicles in the movie such as the engines or the firing of the planes guns. By using these realistic diagetic sounds it makes the movie seem more historical accurate but as well please the audience members who know the different sounds of these certain objects. This is used as a device by giving each object a different sound what furthers the point by everything being distinguishable from the use of sound what brings more tension and drama to the scene when the enemy plane is incoming as the audience knows the sound of engine. So the audience feels both the fear of the men but also by this time they know whats coming without seeing the enemy plane by bringing more of a sense of danger.
The use of the Shepard tone in the scene is well used. This is used to signify to different things to further the plot by showing fear of commander Bolton as the tone is creatively used to match his facial expression to build further tension in the scene and to bring danger by indicating a the plane getting closer even though the audience seems to believe increase making them think danger. The first thing signified with Bolton’s facial expression matching up with the tone is that it brings more fear as the tone helps show the change from relief to shock. This is a narrative device by showing the theme of fear and this humanizes Bolton by showing him to be scared instead of acting strong in-front of his men. The second thing signified is the audience feeling the tension and danger from the use of tone indicating the plane getting closer. This effect is smartly used with the diagetic sound of the engine as the tone shows that Bolton is in shock as he is blocking out the sound of the plane.
Zimmer does well in the score in the film in general but in this scene, he uses the score to add different emotions on screen. Some examples are the peaceful sound of an instrument when Farrier is gliding through the air to indicate relief and for the audience to take in the view of scenery with Hardy’s character. The use of a orchestra can also be heard when Bolton talks to the lady for a few seconds to show how proud he is of the civilians, this shows the audience the respect from certain characters. The orchestra can be heard again after the boat narrowly escapes the gunfire of the plane as it helps to show the celebration and the survival of the men, this affects the audience by them feeling the relief of going from sheperd tone to quiet peaceful instrument in the orchestra to give a better sense of relief.
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
Sound in Dunkirk is used to build up tension in the audience. This can be seen in the scene where bombers are flying over the beach while the main character ducks. The use of sound is effective in this scene as the composer uses a ticking effect that creates a sense of rising through audio illusion. This causes the audience to interpret a countdown to something happening.
At the beginning of Dunkirk (2017, directed by Christopher Nolan ) , there is complete silence until the guns are fired there is the sound of a ticking clock and this heightens the tension and it indicates to the audience that the army only has a finite amount of time to get the troops off of the beach and it grates on the audience and makes them feel nervous and tense. Furthermore, the film utilizes a lot of diegetic sounds like plane engines and gunfire – when these sound effects are used in conjunction with the soundtrack, it creates a layered effect that immerses the audience in the world of the film and the sounds of the planes and the guns must match closely to the sounds that planes and guns made in the 1940’s in order to create a sense of historical verisimilitude and to ensure that the film was as accurate as possible because if the planes and the guns didn’t sound realistic, it would be difficult to take the film seriously and it is important for Nolan to get the sound of the film right because Dunkirk portrays a pivotal moment in history and it was important for Nolan to honor that history by making sure that all of the sounds that he used in the film were historically accurate.
The underscore in the opening scene of this film uses the Shepard tone which is layering three pitches of sound on top of each other – when they are played together at bass pitch, the highest pitched sound seems to get quieter, the alto tone seems to stay at the same sound level and the lowest pitched note seems to get louder. In Dunkirk, the orchestra always seems to be building towards a crescendo, but they never reach that point and this may make the audience feel uncomfortable because they will automatically expect the orchestra to build up to a dramatic climax but when they don’t it will jolt them out of their preconceived expectations about how films should sound and it helps to build up a feeling of dread within the audience because they will be unsure about who will survive and who will die – this is an example of atmospheric music that creates a particular mood within the audience , in this case , the mood that the music is trying to create is tension and fear. In addition, the underscore helps to make the audience feel what the characters are feeling, and it immediately immerses us in the inner worlds of the characters and it helps us to feel what they are feeling without having to use a lot of dialogue and this helps to drive the narrative because the music is a substitute for exposition and this means audience isn’t interested in the backstory of the characters and how they came to this point because the audience are immediately immersed in one particular point in the story and the music can distract the audience from the lack of any backstories because they are being immersed in the present moment by the music.
“Dunkirk” (Christopher Nolan, 2017) is an intense, thrilling film about the extraction of British (and french) troops from the beaches of Dunkirk.
The film score composer – Hans Zimmer – used many different sounds, both diegetic and non-diegetic to help develop the story. The score is so well composed that the non-dietetic sound actually becomes a narrative device for the film and helps to draw the film round every corner to a final conclusion. In some ways the sound of the film is a better story-teller than the cinematography and is the main reason Dunkirk is highly appraised.
Firstly, Zimmer uses what is known as the “Shepard tone” In essence, the Shepard tone is when a few scales an octave apart are in a constant loop, from low to high pitch then instantly back to the beginning. On their own they sound like they are looping and not going any higher or lower, however when you combine them and have the lower scales increasing in VOLUME and the higher ones decreasing in volume it creates an effect that makes it seem like there is a constant ascension in tone. This auditory illusion produces a continuous sense of rising tension. This is utilised throughout the whole film and is actually a narrative device to develop the story and to alert the audience of danger that may be coming. It is applied in the film mostly when the British troops are about to be attacked. It grips the audience and helps guide them through the story so that there is a constant uninterrupted flow of tension.
Secondly, Zimmer uses the sound of a clock ticking to show that their time is constantly running out. The ticking helps develop the story as it shows that time is moving and that things are happening, it subconsciously alludes to the sense of time and pushes the audience along as the film continues. Additionally the ticking is used very explicitly when there are enemies approaching to be very obvious that time is of the essence and that there is serious danger in the future. For example, at the start we hear the ticking before we hear the enemy, as if Zimmer is explicitly revealing to the audience that the troops need to hurry up and get going because of approaching danger. It also foreshadows danger when the troops are on the beach and are running out of time to be evacuated before the enemies attack again.
Not only that but Zimmer also uses the sound of a heartbeat as a narrative device by personally relating with the audience. The audience links the heartbeat to life and as long has the heartbeat is heard the audience knows that the characters in the film are in danger – but alive – as long as the heartbeat is heard the audience has hope for the troops, they keep on watching to see the outcome of the situation. The heartbeat is excellent at snaring the audience in the trap of the film and subconsciously forcing them to watch the film develop as they want to see the outcome due to the personal connection the heartbeat has given them.
A “long take” is a when a very long shot is used. There are no cuts or interruptions and the camera is continuously filming for a long time. A great example of this is from the movie “A Touch of Evil” (Orson Welles, 1958):
Here, a camera was placed onto a crane in order for it to smoothly travel all the way across the street and dozens of meters more following two characters. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece and one of Welles greatest scenes due to how difficult it would be to get a perfect shot.
A sound editor is someone who decides what sounds should be in a film. They’ll look at a film without sound, and decide that they should have a sound effect of paws hitting the ground while a dog is walking. Or they may decide that there should be sound for a ray gun.
The sound mixer is a bit different however. A sound mixer is given all of the sounds the edited has decided to put in the film, and the mixer will decide how the audience will hear the sound. That goes along with the volume, weather it increases or decreases, stuff like that.
