Unit 38: Soundtrack Production For The Moving Image

You are required to review two examples of soundtracks from two existing films in a written piece of work. You must give a comprehensive list of all the different sounds that are present within both scenes inclusive of music, dialogue, foley and fx. Within your work you are expected to also describe the relative level of each sound and how the sound relates to what is happening on screen.

Casino Royale - Parkour Chase Scene (2006)


The scene begins with a crowd of locals in Madagascar roaring and chanting as they watch the cobra fight taking place. The sound begins to build, aiding viewers to feel as if they are in the moment. The foley editor toys with the dominance of the crowd and the hissing snake to create an uneasy feeling with the audience. This prepares viewers for the upcoming chase that the scene is building momentum for. The dialogue from Bond to his coworker overpower the background noise as they communicate with each other about their spotted target. As the camera focuses on the character in question, FX sounds are added to the actor as he quickly plays with his mobile phone. As the two main characters of the scene make contact for the first time, non-diagetic cinematic music begins. Instigating that the chase is about to begin. Again the dominant sound is swayed back and forth between the dialogue and the non-diagetic sound, with FX being used as the chase increases in excitement with the use of enhanced footsteps and gun shots. The soundtrack begins to build as the scene becomes more fast-paced with the orchestra introducing fitting drums to the tune. The choice fits in well with the scenery and with the ongoing action packed parkour chase viewers are witnessing. Surrounding effects such as vehicles, the leaves being shaken as the pair run through the jungle, and the dumping of sand as they run through the building site all are enhanced during the chase to make the scene more realistic. There is a sudden decrease in volume of non-diagetic sound as the scene focuses on the heavy breathing of the character being targetted by Bond. This draws viewers in and forces them to focus on the current moment; seconds later an unexpected, loud bang is heard which (if delivered to a cooperating audience) causes viewers to jump. The signature James Bond instrumental is then added into the sequence, this foley is added in each film as an almost victorious theme tune for the successful fight the special agent always wins.


xXx - Bridge Scene (2002)

The clip opens with the loud roaring of a car engine as the Senator and his mistress arrive at the venue in their sports car. The scene then focuses on the dialogue, adding faint FX sounds to add to the realism of the scene (footsteps, passing traffic, door closing). As the camera cuts straight to the back of the man the senator is talking to, the infamous 'xXx' tattoo is shown, and at that very moment, upbeat rock music begins to take over the scene. This helps the audience to comprehend the upcoming events, and to recognise Vin Diesel as the significant character of this clip. The non-diagetic soundtrack then overpowers the dialogue as the script smoothly fades into the background, the foley process is then used as the car speeds off into the distance, enhancing the noises of the engine to help speed up the pace of the scene. The sports car screeches as it spins along to the soundtrack, with FX being added for the wind blowing between the pillars as the car zooms off into the distance. This effect makes the scene more realistic, and enhances the adrenaline feeling of the chase. The music continues to build as Vin Diesel speeds through the twists and turns of the road ahead, and police sirens are then heard slowly creeping into the scene. A police officers dialogue is then edited into the scene later, as he asks Vin Diesel to pull over the car. The non-diagetic soundtrack then comes to a halt and the scene focuses on the dialogue the main character has to say, with his voice being the only clear noise the audience can focus on. The character explains his reasoning behind taking 'Dick's' car and once he leaves the audience with a cliffhanging finishing line, trumpets begin playing. This builds the momentum for the next scene, preparing viewers for something exciting to happen. The volume of the soundtrack increases more as the car speeds over a ramp and into the air. All sound is then drastically taken away, with the clip focusing on the wind as the car flies through the air and towards the ocean. An eagles siren is then edited into the clip, perhaps linking in with the eagle wing tattoo the main character displays on his arm. Vin Diesel then leaps away from the falling vehicle and pulls open his parachute to the sound of the previous rock soundtrack heard prior to the recent events that took place. 

Vox Pop Assignment

Should the legal age for sexual consent be lowered from 16 to 14 in the UK?

This comes in the wake of suggestions made by civil servants last month, who were asked by government officials to produce a list of ideas that could be included in legislation on personal freedoms.

1. Do you think that the legal age for sexual consent should be lowered from 16 to 14? Why?
2. Wikipedia reports that 34.9% of boys and 39.9% of girls are sexually experienced by the age of 15. How old were you when you started receiving sexual education at school?
3. A little less than 40% of boys and girls are sexually active before the age of 16, do you think with a change in legal age the percentage will increase or decrease? Why?
4. The legal age to purchase the morning after pill over the counter is 16+. If the legal age of consent was lowered, do you believe all contraceptives and action against pregnancy should be lowered too?
5. The BBC reported that last year, the teenage pregnancy rate for England and Wales was at its lowest since 1969. How do you think we can continue to see a decrease in figures?