Sound Analysis - Saw

The film 'Saw' (2004), uses sound to great effect. The sounds used creates tension, thus making the audience feel nervous as to what is going to happen. I have have analysed the use of sound in this film to help me when it comes to creating my own project.

 

The film begins with an eerie silence as the opening credits appear, giving a sense of impending doom. The silence is broken with the sound of running water. This makes the audience curious as to what why there is the sound of running water, and makes them want to watch on to find out. High pitched string instruments play as the word 'Saw' appears on the screen. This allows the audience to see what kind of genre this film belongs too: thriller. This is because the music puts the film on edge, so it gives a hint to what the rest of the film will be like. The sound of running water continues, but it broken when the protagonist lifts up out of the bath tub. As he does so, the non-diegetic sound of a drum can be heard. This is a diverse contrast to the sounds which are heard earlier in the film. Before, the sounds were ambient and relatively quiet. At this point, however, the sound of the drum is very loud and puts the audience on edge. The sound of water becomes louder as the characters lifts his head out of the bath. The sound of the character coughing loudly can be heard. This sound allows the audience to see that he is in danger and is not in the best physical state that he could possibly be in. The sound of running water stops as it is drained down the plug-hole. This shows the audience that the danger that the character was once in is now gone. As the character walks across the dark room, you can hear his desperation in his cries, and the chains clinking around his legs. This immediately reveals to the spectator that he is trapped in that room, with no chance of escape. As it is revealed that another character is in the room, low-pitched instruments play, revealing that he is a mysterious character and perhaps cannot be trusted. This puts the audience on edge. As the lights are turned on in the room, a large electronic surge can be heard each time. This is used every time the camera shows a light turning on. This lets us connect with the characters, as the noise is quite loud, which emphasises the fact that the light is harsh on their eyes.

From analysing the opening sequence of the film 'Saw' I have realised the importance of sound to the horror genre. Numerous techniques are used to portray the themes of the genre, ranging from ambient sound to music which has been placed over the top. When I make my film I shall remember the importance of sound, as it can be used to great effect to portray meaning to the audience.