How sound can make or break an opening

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdPWrAMXGGo
(Sorry i could not embed this clip)

This is 'Dawn of the dead' (2004) and it may be one of the greatest openings ever aurally. It creates the perfect atmosphere for the rest of the film and this is achieved by many overlapping audio sounds. The dialogue itself sets the viewer up for the plot of the film, feeding the audience much of the narrative. ‘We don’t know?’ is said twice connoting this is the end for humanity. The song itself is considerably cheerful and upbeat what juxpositions the visual images on screen. However, it doesn’t juxtapose this film as the overlapping creepy sound effects of roars, other dialogue, gunshots, screams and fuzzy television static sound all maintain the required and wanted eerie atmosphere that the director would have intended on producing. Much of these sound effects are non-diegetic allowing questions to be made by the audience without them even realising. Also, not seeing where the sound is coming from is more frightening than diegetic sound, once again creating the desired atmosphere.

Toy Story Two opening (1999)

Toy Story 2: Opening Sequence from Twenty One Inc on Vimeo.

Toy Story Two opening sound test




This is a great example of how sound should be played around with. The crew who did this test has an  youtube account being called ‘cws815’. Though personally, I feel their version isn’t as good as the original, it is still amazing. Both are very similar which highlights that the tiniest detail makes all the difference. The bit that stood out for me was when ‘Buzz’ jumps on the hovering platforms and originally the iconic sound is humourous to the audience. The replaced tester sound just highlights how sound effects can change the atmosphere and set how a different tone can can be set for the audience via sound affetcs.



This is ‘Kiwi’ a PIXAR shot film that on youtube alone has nearly thirty million views. Though it hasn’t really got an opening, as it’s only several minutes long the music may be one of the most amazing atmosphere producing pieces I have ever experienced. As the little critter sets up its master plan there is playful music, connoting it’s a bit devilish and child like. However, the contrast from this to the sad music what sounds like a child lullaby tune is devastating to the audience as it produces such an impact. This piece shows me the power of contrast, a valuable technique that if doing the right type of film I will consider using.